Coed Ystrad

Wood

Explorer Tom

Coed Ystrad climbs the hillside above Johnstown in Carmarthen, a green tangle of old woodland where the reward for going uphill is another interesting path rather than an apology. Beech, sweet chestnut and oak share the space, and spring flowers make the forest floor look as though it has dressed for visitors. The Woodland Trust describes this as ancient mixed broadleaved woodland with occasional planted conifers and an extensive path network. It covers about thirty acres, enough for a wander without pretending to be an endless wilderness. The official Wales Coast Path town walk even threads through it, using steps and a zigzag descent. That is a useful clue about the terrain: there are gentle moments, but a hillside wood will eventually ask what your knees are made of. The Trust's management plan identifies public entrances from Alltycnap Road at the western end and from the Llansteffan Road side through the Trinity Fields area. Paths are unsurfaced, steep and uneven in places; the lower track is more level, while the eastern end has a long flight of steps. There is no dedicated car park, and nearby parking can be awkward, so plan your approach rather than blocking a local entrance. Keep to the established routes and allow extra time after rain. Come to hear the city fall away behind the trees, look for the shifts between old broadleaf trunks and planted conifers, and take the path that matches your energy. If a longer circuit appeals, use the published Carmarthen Town walking route instead of making one up from half-remembered junctions. Coed Ystrad rewards a curious walker, but it is perfectly content to let you turn back and enjoy it twice.

What is recorded here

Map note: Coed Ystrad, a wood, is mapped near Carmarthen, Sir Gaerfyrddin / Carmarthenshire, Wales. The map knows where the place is, even if the scenery is staying quiet.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w771926983

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