GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Hensol Forest

2 miles (3.7 km)

These expansive woods in the Vale of Glamorgan have miles of fine trails to try.
You can start the walk from the parking area just to the north of Welsh St Donats. From here you can pick up the trails heading south east to the pretty lake known in Welsh as Pysgodlyn Mawr. It's a lovely tranquil spot with the lake flanked by the attractive woodland. After rounding the lake you return to the car park where there's a picnic site to relax in. You could extend the walk by continuing south east to visit the mill pond at Warren Mill Farm.

Postcode

CF71 7SW - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Hensol Forest OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Hensol Forest Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Dog Walking

The woods are ideal for dog walking so you may well bump into other owners on a fine day.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

A few miles west of the woods you'll find the town of Cowbridge. Here you can explore the area on the circular Cowbridge Walk. This pleasant route explores the attractive market town with its Physic Garden and pretty riverside park.
Also near the woods is the historic town of Llantwit Major. Here you can enjoy a fine coastal walk to the photogenic lighthouse at Nash Point. You can also pick up the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Walk in this area.

Photos

Pysgodlyn Mawr, Hensol Forest - geograph.org.uk - 444096

Pysgodlyn Mawr, Hensol Forest

Forest edge, Hensol Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1156883

Forest edge, Hensol Forest. The bright edge of the forest track contrast strongly with its dark interior. With virtually all the light blocked out by the canopy of pines, nothing will grow on the forest floor until they are harvested.

Steps from carpark to picnic area, Hensol Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1036767

Steps from the car park to picnic area, Hensol Forest

Forestry walk, Hensol Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1156857

Forestry walk, Hensol Forest

A stand of pines, Hensol Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1156851

A stand of pines. These trees stand at the access to another of the forests walks.

Field and view north of Hensol Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1156905

Field and view north of the forest. Snow capped mountains can be seen in the background.

GPS Files

GPX File

Hensol Forest.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Hensol Forest.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)