It rains a lot in North wales and the mixed deciduous woodland below Tan y Bwlch Station is an excellent example of a temperate rain forest with an abundant growth of ferns and mosses. Surprisingly there were no fungi around. Some of the oak trees are over 200 years old and are relics of the original woodland which once covered the area. The trees provided wood for charcoal burning , fuel for iron smelting as well as building timber. Pigs foraged for acorns and oak bark was used for tanning leather.
I had an hour between trains on the Ffestiniog Railway, ample time to enjoy the circular walk through the Nature reserve. I always do this anticlockwise with the steeper climb going back up to the station (Steep uphill is kinder on the knees than steep downhill!) Allow 30 minutes for a leisurely walk.
Even though it was half term. there were very few people around and I had the woods to myself. This is a very attractive walk and I always enjoy it. The autumn colors were a definite bonus.
