Huelgoat Forest

  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia
  • France Brittany, Huelgoat Forest, , Walkopedia

Key information: Huelgoat Forest

  • Fine, fascinating and somewhat other-worldly ancient forest on the flanks of the Monts d’Arrée, around the deep gorge of the river Argent.  
  • The bottom of the gorge is a crazed jumble of enormous boulders, all covered in moss and ferns, with beech and other trees growing cheerfully between them .

Walkopedia rating

  • Walkopedia rating86
  • Beauty30
  • Natural interest15
  • Human interest12
  • Charisma29
  • Negative points0
  • Total rating86
  • Note: Negs: Crowded in good months

Vital Statistics

  • Length: Your choice
  • Maximum Altitude: N/A
  • Level of Difficulty: Variable
Top
Huelgoat Forest: © William Mackesy

WALK SUMMARY

This ancient forest on the flanks of the old-rocked Monts d’Arrée in central Brittany south of Morlaix is marvellous and fascinating – and somewhat other-worldly.

It is a rough, steep land around the deep gorge of the river Argent, and is mostly covered in truly timeless and ethereally beautiful mixed forest which has presumably survived because of its inaccessibility.

The bottom of the valley is a crazed jumble of enormous boulders, all covered in moss and ferns, with beech and other trees growing cheerfully between them and glowing vivid green in the shafts of sunlight (we can only imagine the beauty in Autumn).

 You will meet deep grottoes below unthinkably large pinioned boulders, waterfalls and meltingly pretty brown-watered pools.

Explore on good trails deep into the valley, half the way along the lip of a little and old, but still busily water-carrying, canal. Climb up a side-valley to a cave and camp associated with the Arthurian legend – although the camp you will meet was in fact a Celtic camp which was later used by the Roman army.

Fantastic, if busy near town; and its crossing by a road does diminish the remoteness! Particularly beautiful in Autumn.

Well written up in Walking in Brittany by Judy Smith.

See our Brittany page for more general and practical information and photos.

We want to tell more - please send us your ideas, suggestions, experiences and photos.

Other accounts: share your experiences

Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.

Huelgoat Forest: © William Mackesy

Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.

Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.

Huelgoat Forest: © William Mackesy

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

Top
Huelgoat Forest: © William Mackesy...
Top

Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more

Our partners Responsible Travel 

have carefully chosen expeditions 

and holidays around the world.    

Great walking, and much else...

Walkopedia Sponsor

See their site for inspiring ideas.

For £100 off your trip, contact them quoting WW50

All material on this website is © Walkopedia Ltd 2008 - 2024, unless specified otherwise.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED