A Visit to Hafren Forest

During a recent camping weekend in mid-Wales we decided on a visit to Hafren Forest (nr Llanidloes) on a wet Saturday afternoon!

“Exposure to forests strengthens our immune system, reduces blood pressure, increases energy, boosts our mood and helps us regain and maintain our focus in ways that treeless environments just don’t.” – USDA Forest Service

Managed by Natural Resources Wales, Hafren Forest offers a variety of walks of varying lengths, ample car parking and toilet facilities.  One of the walks to a nearby fall is wheelchair friendly and offers a good example of what flora and fauna Hafren Forest has to offer.

We decided on the Blaen Hafren Falls Trail (blue) which is estimated to be around 1 1/2 hours walk and is around 6km. This route goes through the heart of the forest alongside the River Severn to Blaen Hafren Falls.  A few ascents and descents on this route but nothing too strenuous and plenty of views to be had!

Should you decide on a longer trail, you can go find the source of the Severn!  This is around 4 1/2 hours and is around 14km.  Following the same route as the Blaen Hafren Falls trail above and then the trail climbs steeply to forest boundary onto moorlands to the Severn’s source on Pumlumon (highest point of the Cambrian Mountains)

Whichever trail you decide on, expect to find well marked routes.

Hafren Forest is also the start/end of the popular long-distance walks Wye Valley Walk and Severn Way.

To help plan your visit this site has all the information you could need.