Hafren Forest is a picturesque, 40 square kilometre woodland near the small town of Llanidloes, Wales. The Forest has become an increasingly popular spot in recent years, as there are a variety of accessible walking trails of varying difficulty and length to enjoy. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll discover riverside paths and rushing waterfalls, with peaceful places to stop and admire the stunning views all around. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Hafren Forest before you go.
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Location and where to park
Hafren Forest is situated 6 miles west of the town of Llanidloes. There are no public transport options to Hafren Forest, so if you don’t have your own car you will have to pre-arrange a taxi service to take you. The winding roads leading to Hafren Forest are narrow in places, though there are several lay-bys in which to pass cars coming in the opposite direction.
Car parking is at a small Forestry Commission car park at Rhyd-y-benwch – the postcode for which is SY18 6PT – though this postcode covers a wide area and will NOT take you to the entrance of the car park. Instead, the easiest way to find the car park is by using the What3Words location: ///frowns.gold.cornering.
This car park is free to use but can fill up quickly, especially in Summer, and you’ll find cars soon start parking on the verge along the road leading to the car park. There are signs posted all along this verge asking visitors to NOT park here – not only does it make the already narrow roads even more difficult for traffic to navigate, but at various points there are steep drops down from the road. Our advice is to arrive as early as possible to secure a parking spot and enjoy a tranquil walk before the Forest becomes busy.
If all the car parking spaces are filled when you arrive, you may have to wait for a vehicle to leave, or try to visit the Forest another day. If you do find you’ve driven all the way to Hafren Forest and can’t secure a safe parking spot within the car park, we recommend driving 20 minutes away to visit Bryntail Lead Mine instead. The car park here is free, and you can walk around the old lead mines learning about their history from information boards, as well as making the short walk to Llyn Clywedog Dam on Clywedog Reservoir.
There are picnic benches here, as well as a cafe (Caffi Clywedog) just up the road that serves hot and cold drinks, plus savoury meals and sweet treats like brownies and ice cream. It’s not quite the same as walking in Hafren Forest, but it’s a quaint and peaceful alternative if you do find yourself in need of another place to visit when the car park for Hafren Forest is full.
Facilities
At the car park there are toilets available between Easter and October, though during our most recent visit in July 2026 these were temporary portaloo style toilets. These toilets are the only facilities here – there is no cafe or information centre, just a board showing a map of the walking trails. There are large sections of each walking trail that are very exposed, with little shade, so be sure to pack plenty of food and water for your walk – especially on hot days and if visiting with dogs.
There are also no bins at the car parks or along the trails. It was frustrating for us during our most recent visit to find rubbish and dog poo bags littered at various points along the walking trails. Discarded litter has increasingly become an issue at Hafren Forest, as higher and higher visitor numbers affect the limited infrastructure here. If you walk the trails with a dog make sure you pick up after them and carry the bags with you, and take any food and drinks packaging or any other rubbish home with you. Help protect the natural beauty of the forest by visiting responsibly.
What to see at Hafren Forest
Hafren Forest is known for being the starting point of several walking trails, both short and long distance. Each walking trail at Hafren Forest offers spectacular views of the woodland all around, over rolling hillside and mountains beyond, and each trail has at least one point of interest that makes for a perfect stopping point on your route. What it lacks in facilities and infrastructure to support the growing tourist numbers here, the forest more than makes up for with tranquil riverside paths, and natural waterfalls that flow into the River Severn.
Those looking for a real adventure in nature may choose to visit here to follow the Severn Way – a 338km / 210 mile trail that begins at Hafren Forest, at the source of the River Severn, and ends in Bristol. In recent years, those hunting for a spot worthy of Instagram have headed for the Cascades walk – a short, 0.9km stroll along a pretty boardwalk, where the river parts the trees and the scenery looks like it’s straight from a postcard.
Walking trails overview
There are 6 way marked trails from the car park at Hafren Forest, each one offering different points of interest and terrain, so you can choose the route that suits your needs, level of fitness, or time in the area. 4 of the routes can be easily completed in a day, while 2 are long distance walks that require planning and multiple days to complete. If you’re unsure which trail to take, here’s our overview of each one to help you decide!
Cascades Walk – 0.9km / 0.6 miles
This route is why the Hafren Forest has become so popular across social media. The wide, purpose-built boardwalk running alongside the River Severn makes this an easy, short walk for all abilities and ages, so everyone can get out and see the beauty of the forest without having to be pro hikers or long distance walkers!
There’s a gentle sloping path down from the car park to reach the riverside boardwalk, and there are many benches along the boardwalk to sit and listen to the sounds of the woods all around. Before long, you reach a small, raised viewing platform over the water where you can sit and watch the water babbling over rocks in the river. The trail returns to the car park via a short loop through the forest along a wide, smooth-surfaced path.
It’s worth knowing that this is the only fully wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly route at Hafren Forest. While other trails have sections of boardwalk or smooth paths, they also have loose or sloping terrain that may make it difficult to follow with buggies or mobility aids. See our ‘Tips for your visit’ section below for more information about visiting the boardwalk.
Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail – 2.3km / 1.4 miles
Another short and relatively easy trail that follows the River Severn, heading out of the dense woodland and across a wildflower meadow to eventually arrive at the Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall. Near the start of this route there’s a short set of steps up from the river that leads out to a grass section of path where roots protrude from the ground – take care as you head along the path and down a short sloping section as you reach the only bench on this trail.
From here it’s a simple and lightly undulating walk along a mix of boardwalk and dirt paths, until you reach the turnaround point at the Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall. There is a small, narrow bridge over the waterfall which has a short, steep incline to get down to, but once on the bridge you can simply admire the rushing water and panoramic forest views. Crossing the bridge and heading up another short incline, you’ll follow forest trails to rejoin the boardwalk and make your way back towards the car park. Find out more and download this route on our Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail walk page.
Blaen Hafren Falls Trail – 6km / 3.8 miles
This is our favourite walking trail at Hafren Forest! Following this route is the perfect mid length trail if you’re looking for more than a quick photo stop, without having to set aside a whole day to walk in the forest. The trail takes you through the heart of the forest, on the boardwalk of the Cascades Walk and beyond, heading further into the trees and out the other side for panoramic views of the mountains all around.
Leaving the boardwalk behind, you’ll follow a brief section of shaded woodland that opens out to exposed dirt paths following the River Severn. There are a few benches along the way to sit and rest next to the water, including a covered picnic area to shade from the sun on warmer days, or shelter from the elements in inclement weather! The route has a few steep inclines, some loose stone path sections, and very little shade – be sure to carry plenty of water with you as needed.
You’re rewarded for your efforts at the turnaround point of this trail – the stunning Blaen Hafren waterfall – where the waters rush over a rocky landscape and feed the River Severn. This is a fantastic spot to sit and admire the scenery before you loop back along the forest trails to your starting point. Find out more and download this route on our Blaen Hafren Falls Trail walk page.
Source of the Severn Trail – 13km / 8.1 miles
The most strenuous of the 4 short way marked trails, this route takes you to the source of the River Severn on Plynlimon – the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains and the highest point in Mid Wales. The trail initially follows the same paths as the Blaen Hafren Falls Trail, so you can view the beautiful waterfall along your way. It’s here you’ll find your first information board with an overview of your route and elevation gain ahead, so you can decide whether to head over the falls and on with the Source of the Severn trail, or turn around and loop back to the car park following the Blaen Hafren Falls trail.
There are a series of information panels along key points on the route showing how far along the trail you are. An accompanying graph shows you where the elevation begins to climb, so you can decide if you are prepared to push on with your hike or turn around at this point. It’s important to ensure you’re prepared to walk this route, as the trail takes you over sections of loose stones, with some steep ascents and descents. Parts of the trail are very exposed, and close to the source of the Severn you may find sheep grazing on the moorland – make sure you keeps dogs under close control here.
The source of the Severn is marked by a carved wooden post. This is the turnaround point for your trail, as you loop your way back to the car park via forest roads and a narrow, loose riverside path. There are many benches along the route to stop for a rest, plus a few points of interest including a standing stone and the remains of a mine and farmstead, marked by information panels. If you’re well prepared for this strenuous trail, the views and heritage sites en route will make up for the undulating climbs along the way!
Wye Valley Walk – 218km / 136 miles
One of 2 long distance routes that begin (or end) at Hafren Forest. This hike follows the River Wye for 136 miles, from Plynlimon in Hafren Forest to Chepstow. Expect beautiful countryside views across rugged mountains and moorland as you follow the river through rolling fields and over hillside across the England/Wales border. The full route takes around 7-10 days to complete and takes decent preparation, but if you’re staying close to Hafren Forest for a while it’s a fantastic route showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Severn Way – 338km / 210 miles
This route follows the River Severn from its source at Hafren Forest, all the way through the Severn Valley to the sea at Severn Beach, Bristol. You’ll follow the river through forest and floodplains, over mountain terrain and river valleys, passing through many towns en route. Most people walking this route allow 3 weeks to complete it, allowing for rest days or shorter walking days. Again, it’s hardly one for a day trip at Hafren Forest but it could be the beginning of your 3 week adventure, journeying alongside the River Severn from source to sea.
Tips for your visit
A few things to know before you visit Hafren Forest:
The riverside boardwalk is short! Many people visiting Hafren Forest in recent years do so after seeing viral videos and photos on social media, showcasing the Instagram-perfect, riverside boardwalk leading up to the cascades. If you’re planning on visiting the Forest solely to walk along the popular boardwalk, be aware that it is deceptively shorter than it’s made to appear in Instagram reels – you can easily stroll from one end to the other in under 3 minutes!
Once you’re here, of course, you can explore more of the gorgeous forest via one of the longer walking routes. Just be aware that, if you’re planning on travelling a long distance solely to see the boardwalk, consider whether this is worth it for you – it’s likely that there’s somewhere equally beautiful in your local area, and you can save yourself the trip.
Wear comfortable shoes. While the boardwalk and paths in the immediate vicinity of the car park are mostly level, parts of the longer walking routes cover uneven or undulating ground. Make sure you’re prepared for walking along the natural forest trails and riverside paths by wearing shoes that are comfy to walk in.
There are also many stopping points on the routes. Each walking trail has a good amount of benches and picnic areas along the way where you can take the weight off your feet and rest if needed. Even the Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail, which only takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, has a picnic bench where you can stop and enjoy the views.
Choose a trail that’s right for you. If you’re not used to following walking or hiking trails, it can be difficult to know whether a trail is suitable for you. It’s important that you recognise your limits to avoid getting into potentially dangerous situations. The Cascades Walk, with its picturesque riverside boardwalk, is the only fully accessible trail for those with mobility aids or pushchairs. At the other end of the scale, the Source of the Severn Trail can easily take 5 hours from start to finish.
Depending on your reason for visiting Hafren Forest, whether that’s taking a stunning selfie at the cascades, making the pilgrimage to the source of the River Severn, or simply walking through the forest, you’ll need to choose a route that’s appropriate for your ability.
Facilities are limited. At Hafren Forest, there’s a real lack of the usual facilities that most people come to expect when visiting a popular area. We’re hoping that, going forward, the infrastructure will catch up with the unexpected burst in visitor numbers over recent years. For now, though, be aware that there is no cafe at Hafren Forest, and on our last visit the toilets were the temporary portaloo kind.
Make sure to carry enough snacks and water if you’re heading onto one of the longer trails, and remember to bring your picnic supplies if you’re looking to spend a peaceful day in the forest as you won’t be able to buy any food once you’ve arrived! It’s equally imperative that you take any rubbish home with you as there are no bins at the forest or in the car park.
Car parking is limited. Again, we’re hoping there are plans to renovate the infrastructure of Hafren Forest so that people can visit the area safely. The car park at the beginning of all the walking routes at Hafren Forest is very small for the amount of visitors that come here. As we’ve mentioned above, we recommend arriving early to secure a spot and coming back another day if you’re not able to find a space.
Visiting responsibly
Hafren Forest has become increasingly popular over the years, with high visitor numbers affecting the limited infrastructure here. If you plan on visiting the area, please do so responsibly:
- Pack for the weather. Note that many parts of the walking trails at Hafren Forest are very exposed. In hot weather, it’s vital you bring enough food and water for everyone in your party – especially if you’re visiting with dogs. In colder months, parts of the trails and the boardwalk may become slippery so take care and wear appropriate footwear for your walk.
- Take your litter home. There are no bins along the trails or at the car park, and the increase in debris left behind is becoming more and more of an issue at Hafren Forest. Take any rubbish with you when you leave.
- Pick up after your dog. Again, discarded poo bags are becoming a real problem in the area. If you are bringing your dogs with you for walks at Hafren Forest, be a responsible dog owner by picking up after them and taking any poo bags with you. Don’t ruin the natural beauty of the forest by leaving them behind on the trails for someone else to dispose of.
- Use the designated car park. While it’s frustrating that the car park is so small for the amount of people who visit here, it’s important not to park on the verge along the roads leading to the car park. This blocks traffic in both directions, makes the already narrow road even more difficult to navigate, and is potentially dangerous for other visitors. If you can’t find a space in the car park, you may have to leave and visit another day.
- Note that the boardwalk is short! We can’t go over this enough – the Instagram-famous boardwalk along the Cascades Walk is a deceptively small part of visiting the Hafren Forest. While it’s quaint and picturesque, you shouldn’t plan to travel an unreasonably long distance just to see it as this adds to the strain on the already struggling infrastructure. Consider finding somewhere in your local area to travel ethically, or plan a longer visit to the area to enjoy more of the beauty in the surrounding area.
- Stick to the way marked trails. Each walking route at Hafren Forest is marked with arrows and coloured markers en route, so you can easily follow your chosen trail. Make sure you stay on the paths so as not to disturb any nesting wildlife, or cause any damage to the forest.
Where to stay near Hafren Forest
While the area feels remote and rugged, there are quite a few accommodation options close to Hafren Forest that make the perfect base for exploring the forest and the surrounding area:
Ty Capel B&B. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Hafren Forest, Ty Capel sits overlooking the Clywedog Reservoir for stunning views from your bedroom window. The area is incredibly peaceful, and as such the gardens attract all kinds of visiting wildlife including rabbits and a plethora of birds. There’s free parking on site, and you can enjoy a full English or Irish breakfast to fuel you well for a day of walking. There are 3 bedrooms available to book, each with their own tea and coffee making facilities and en suite bathroom, though we highly recommend booking the King bedroom with a balcony so you can enjoy your own private view high over the reservoir to start and end your day. A real gem tucked away in the countryside. Find out more and book your stay at Ty Capel here.
The Old House. This stunning self-catering cottage is situated on a livestock farm, and is perfect for those that like accommodation with character. The original beams running throughout the building provide a charming and homely feel, with comfortable furniture adding to the cosy vibe. There are 3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and facilities like a washing machine, TV, and a gorgeous fireplace for colder days. Free private parking is included, and the outdoor space looks out over rolling hillside and a patio that’s ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring the area. Hafren Forest is less than 20 minutes away, while the town of Llanidloes can be reached in less than 10 minutes for topping up food supplies. Find out more and book your stay at The Old House here.
Hafren by Wigwam Holidays. For something different, Hafren offers 7 fully-insulated glamping cabins, each with their own ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and free private parking. 4 of the cabins have hot tubs available for private use, and can cater to families and those travelling with dogs. Situated deep in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, on the edge of a farm and each with their own mountainside views, the cabins are perfect for a peaceful getaway while you visit the area. Hafren Forest is just 15 minutes’ drive away, and a local shop can be reached in less than 5 minutes selling local farmers’ produce like sausages and fresh juices. Find out more and book your stay at Hafren here.
The Star Inn. Tucked away in Dylife, a remote, historic former mining settlement, you’ll find The Star Inn. There are a range of rooms to choose from here, and you’ll receive a warm welcome from the friendly hosts who go out of their way to ensure all their guests’ needs are catered for. Due to its remote location, the inn is popular with those hiking or cycling long distance routes through the area, plus Hafren Forest is less than 20 minutes’ drive away. Don’t be put off by how isolated it feels – there’s a restaurant and bar on site serving a full English or Irish breakfast and evening meals, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, so everyone can enjoy a hearty meal. The Star Inn also has free parking and is fully dog-friendly! The mountain views all around, paired with clear night skies, provide a restful place to stay and relax in the picturesque surroundings. Find out more and book your stay at The Star Inn here.
The Larches. This 2 bedroom holiday home is close to Bryntail Lead Mine, and 20 minutes’ drive from Hafren Forest. The host greets all guest upon arrival, walking you through the lodge and explaining how everything works so you can enjoy a stress-free stay. There’s a spacious outdoor patio area with a dining table and hot tub, from which to enjoy sweeping views across the rolling fields and mountains all around, as well as watching wildlife like Red Kites circling above. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen and large open plan living space, with free private parking included, making it a fantastic base for getting out and seeing the surrounding area. Find out more and book your stay at The Larches here.
Red Kite Touring Park. For those with a camper van, motorhome or caravan, we highly recommend a stay at Red Kite Touring Park. This adult-only, dog-friendly campsite features a state of the art facilities block, spacious, hardstanding pitches, and sweeping views across the countryside towards Llanidloes. Hafren Forest can be reached by car within 25 minutes, while a foot path from the campsite leads you into the heart of Llanidloes in around 20 minutes’ walk. The staff at this family-run campsite are incredibly welcoming and ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing stay in the area. Find out more on our Red Kite Touring Park blog post, and book your stay here.
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