Trails
Immerse yourself in history and nature on our
walking trails
Immerse yourself in history and nature on our walking trails
As part of our multi-million pound restoration work, we have created four exciting new trails for visitors to enjoy. The trails highlight everything that Gnoll Country Park has to offer from history, nature and artwork that brings the park to life.
Each trail comes complete with an easy to follow map to keep you on track. You can also listen to audio descriptions and take in the new information panels at key points throughout each trail to learn more about the flora and fauna, the secrets of the past and the new installations that add so much to the surrounds here at Gnoll.
Family Trail
A circular around Gnoll Fishpond, starting from the main car park and taking in the Cascades, visiting all 3 playgrounds, the ‘Tree of Many Faces’, past Pond Cottage, a chance to feed the ducks from the accessible viewing platform and take in views across our expansive grounds.Â
The Visitor Centre will also be a hub of activity with space for events, meetings and conferences and an exciting children’s soft play area.
- Top Tip - This fully accessible, family friendly, easy route is suitable for walking, pushchairs and wheelchairs alike and finishes at the Visitor Centre where you can enjoy a well-earned refreshment and snack.
- Less Than 1km
- 20-30 minutes
The Tree Of Many
Faces Trail
Also new is a re-imaging of The Tree of Many Faces on the east side of Fish Pond.
Embark on a magical journey where the Wood Spirit invites you to discover intricate wood carvings of mythical and woodland creatures hidden along the path. How many of the Tree’s faces can you count? Take a moment to rest in the Gnoll Throne, a storytelling seat where the rich history and tales of the park come to life.
Come explore, hunt for carvings, and immerse yourself in the stories that make our park truly special. If you want to find out more about the story behind The Tree of Many Faces, learn more here.Â
- Top Tip - This route involves some rocky, rooted sections with various terrain and gradients and plenty of photo opportunities!
- 400 metres
- 15-25 minutes
Heritage Trail
With an abundance of Heritage and History at The Gnoll Country Park, this trail starts at either Pond Cottage or the Main Car park and explores Gnoll House Ruins, the Icehouse and Walled estate before heading past Pond Cottage to the Cascades and Fishpond Wood via the Tree of Many Faces trail. With an option to head towards Brynnau Farm for stunning views across Swansea Bay, before following the stream back down to the Visitor Centre. Information boards with Audio trail links provide all of the history from over the years.
- Top Tip - This trail includes mixed terrain so suitable footwear is recommended. Audio descriptions of the trail can be found here.
- 2.5km
- 35-60 minutes
- Add another 1.75km,a steady, zig-zagging incline to include Brynnau Farm loop for breathtaking panoramic views
Mosshouse Wood Trail
Explore up to 200 acres of Gnoll grounds as you head toward Mosshouse Wood Reservoir at the highest point of the estate, providing uninterrupted views across Neath. With iconic landmarks along the way including Halfway house, The Dam and Cascades and the Grotto and Gazebo nearby. From here is the option to head to Brynnau Wood in the hope of seeing their Welsh Cattle. Our longest trail, with mixed terrain and some steady and steep inclines in parts.
- Top Tip - This is our longest trail with mixed terrain and some steady and steep inclines in parts.
- 4km
- 1.5-2 hours
GnollyWood
Don’t forget to seek out our other favourite spots including a visit to ‘GNOLLYWOOD’, look out for wildlife at The Wetlands areas, explore the Meadows, spot the Swans and Mandarin Ducks on the Great Pond and Guinea Ponds or test your fitness on the 100 steps!
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