Hafren Forest

You should visit Hafren Forest if you enjoy waterfalls, woodland and the feeling of following a river back towards its source. The River Severn, known here as Afon Hafren, tumbles through the forest in a series of cascades before eventually beginning high on the slopes of Pumlumon.

You can keep things easy with a short accessible riverside walk or choose one of the longer routes to waterfalls and the source of the Severn. It is peaceful, scenic and much less commercial than many major attractions.

Why You Should Visit

Hafren Forest gives you several very different walks from the same car park. One is designed to be accessible, another leads to a dramatic waterfall, and the longest route takes you right to the source of the River Severn.

It is a good choice for families, casual walkers and more experienced hikers because you can decide how adventurous you want the day to be after you arrive.

Start with the Cascades Walk

The Cascades Walk is the easiest introduction to the forest. It follows a short route down towards the river before joining a boardwalk beside the rushing water.

A raised viewing platform gives you a good look at the cascades without requiring a difficult climb. This trail was designed with accessibility in mind and is also useful for families with pushchairs.

It only takes around half an hour, so it works well when you want a gentle walk rather than a full day hike.

See Severn-Break-its-Neck

For something more adventurous, follow the trail to Severn-Break-its-Neck. The name alone makes it worth finding.

The route follows the river, crosses meadow and boardwalk sections, then drops down towards a footbridge where the Severn rushes through a narrow rocky gully.

The waterfall is especially impressive after rain, but the steps can also become slippery, so take your time and wear proper footwear.

Walk to Blaen Hafren Falls

The Blaen Hafren Falls Trail goes farther into the forest and follows the River Severn through quieter woodland.

The walk is longer but still manageable for regular walkers, with several benches along the way. The route ends at another attractive waterfall before returning along forest roads.

This is probably the best choice if you want a proper walk without committing to the much longer route to the river’s source.

Find the Source of the River Severn

Experienced walkers can continue all the way to the source of the River Severn on Pumlumon, the highest mountain in Mid Wales.

The full route is around eight miles and takes roughly five hours. After leaving the forest, the path crosses more exposed and boggy moorland before reaching a carved post marking the river’s source.

It is surprisingly understated when you finally reach it. One of Britain’s major rivers begins as water emerging from wet mountain ground rather than a dramatic spring.

The route also passes old mining remains, a standing stone and traces of former farm buildings, so there is plenty to look for along the way.

Look for Ospreys

Ospreys nest near Llyn Clywedog during the breeding season, usually from spring into late summer. You may see them flying over the wider forest and reservoir area, although sightings are never guaranteed.

A live camera normally follows the nest during the breeding season, so it is worth checking the latest activity before visiting.

Keep looking above the treeline as well as along the river. Red kites, buzzards and other birds of prey are also common in this part of Mid Wales.

Bring a Picnic

There are picnic areas near the main Rhyd-y-benwch car park, making this an easy place to bring your own lunch.

There is no café or staffed visitor centre, so bring food and drinks with you rather than expecting to buy them after arriving.

Llanidloes is only a few miles away and has cafés, pubs, shops and bakeries if you would rather eat before or after your walk.

A Few Useful Tips

Parking is currently free at the main Rhyd-y-benwch car park, and there are temporary toilets on site. Blue Badge parking and accessible toilets are also available.

The postcode is SY18 6PT, but it covers a wide rural area and will not take you precisely to the entrance. Follow the Hafren Forest signs from Llanidloes rather than relying only on the postcode.

The final approach uses narrow country roads with passing places. Visitor numbers have become very high, so drive slowly, do not block gateways and follow the signed route around Llyn Clywedog when leaving if directed to do so.

There are no staff based at Hafren Forest, and trail conditions can change during forestry work or extreme weather. Check the latest Natural Resources Wales information before setting off on one of the longer walks.

For families, the Cascades Walk is the easiest choice. The Source of the Severn Trail is a proper five-hour hill walk and should be treated as one, with waterproofs, food, water and suitable footwear.

If the weather becomes poor, shorten the walk and head back into Llanidloes. It has cafés and shops, and it is a much better place to wait out heavy rain than being several miles into an exposed forest or moorland route.