There’s something about forests….. the thick shades of green, the quiet wisdom of aged trees, the soft crackle as walking boots meet dewy undergrowth and the eerie stillness that has inspired a hundred fairy stories and ancient tales.

And autumn is absolutely the best time to celebrate and appreciate these natural leafy wonders; when the chameleon leaves turn from vivid green to deep red then burst to warm orange and rich gold. This is Mother Nature’s final fling before winter’s dreary cloak creeps across the land.

Image by Constantin Hudici on freeimages.com

But just why do leaves change their colours so dramatically just before the end of their lives? It’s all down to the chemicals in the leaf. Chlorophyll is what makes leaves green but this chemical is sensitive to the cold, so as the temperatures start to drop in the autumn the chlorophyll starts to deteriorate and the other, hardier chemicals like carotene start to emerge, and that’s when different colours start to explode from each leaf.

So why not join us this week as we discover some of the loveliest forests close to the Oakeley Arms – all ideal for Snowdonia Autumn Forest Walks.

• Beddgelert Forest – situated in the heart of Snowdonia close to the pretty village of Beddgelert, the forest here is a beautiful place to witness the changing of the seasons.
• Maentwrog Forest Nature Reserve – situated just to the east of the Oakeley Arms, and within walking distance are the beautiful woodlands of Maentwrog Forest. You can find walk details for a stroll through this forest in the WALKS section of our blog (click here)
• Coed y Brenin – Literally translating into English as the King’s Forest, this beautiful spot certainly lives up to its regal name. It’s known for mountain biking tracks but there are also lots of walking routes for you to explore and discover. A truly beautiful spot – about 20 minutes drive from the Oakeley Arms.
• Coed Aber Artro, Llanbedr – situated in a tiny coastal village not far from Harlech, these beautiful woodlands are often tranquil and quiet so are an ideal forest bathing spot. The Nature Reserve at Coed Llety Walter is also close by.
• Llyn Mair, Maentwrog – also very close to the Oakeley Arms, this beautiful area is home not only to a lovely lake but also acres of wild woodland that were once part of the famed Oakeley estate. Follow the numerous footpaths through the woods and around the lake to truly connect with nature and the beautiful trees you’ll find there.
• The Gwyllt at Portmeirion – the gorgeously wild landscape that surrounds the nearby Italianate village of Portmeirion is absolutely stunning. Home to a huge array of stunning native, and non-native, plants and trees, it’s easy to lose yourself and find your balance in this beautiful woodlands. Explore the woodland from the village for a myriad of footpaths and trails through the trees.

Image by akiernan on freeimages.com