Near Llanidloes, Powys, Mid Wales
Hafren Forest
Forest
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
Half day
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7The Severn begins its long journey to the sea just beyond this forest, whose name comes from Afon Hafren, the Welsh name for the river.
Hafren Forest is more than a large Mid Wales woodland: it follows the upper Severn towards its source, with riverside trails and waterfalls adding a strong sense of journey. Its appeal is in following the landscape upstream, not simply wandering among trees.
Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapNear Llanidloes, Powys, Mid Wales
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The experience
Choose a short riverside trail for a taste of the forest, or allow longer to explore its waterfalls and the upper Severn landscape. Confirm route lengths, conditions and facilities before setting out.
Things to do
Follow a riverside trail
Explore the forest on foot beside the upper River Severn. Check Natural Resources Wales route information for current trail choices and conditions.
Look for forest wildlife
Take time to watch and listen along the trails. Specific species sightings are not guaranteed.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short riverside escape
- 01
Start from the Hafren Forest visitor car park.
- 02
Choose a short trail following the river and enjoy the forest and riverside scenery.
- 03
Check the current trail map and conditions before choosing your route.
Half day · Half day
Waterfalls and the upper Severn
- 01
Set out from the forest visitor car park on a waymarked walk.
- 02
Include the riverside cascades and Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall if the route is open and conditions allow.
- 03
Allow extra time for stops and check the current route information before departure.
Verified history
Hafren Forest was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s for timber production. Its name comes from Afon Hafren, the Welsh name for the River Severn, whose source lies just beyond the forest boundary.
Hidden details
The Severn’s Welsh name — Hafren is the Welsh name for the River Severn, and the river’s source lies just beyond the forest boundary.
A forest planted for timber — The forest was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s for timber production, before becoming a destination for walking and wildlife spotting.
When to go
April · May · June · September · October · Check current weather and trail conditions; no specific time-of-day advantage is established by the supplied research.
The supplied listing information favours late spring and early autumn, but exact seasonal highlights are not independently established in the provided research. Spring to autumn is a reasonable broad window for walking; verify conditions locally.
Check the forecast and current trail conditions before visiting. Riverside routes and forest tracks may be affected by wet weather.
Worth pairing with
Llanidloes
The nearest named town in the supplied research, around 6 miles from the forest. No specific businesses or attractions are verified here.
What to look for
Notice how the river shapes the walk as you move upstream. Look out for cascades and waterfalls, including Severn-Break-its-Neck, and watch for wildlife along the forest trails.
The story
Forestry and timber production
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for walking; check trail conditions and current facilities before setting out.
Spring to autumn offers the most straightforward conditions for exploring on foot. After rain, expect wet or muddy ground and check for trail updates.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Dogs · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
A visitor destination with walking trails. Check current access, car park arrangements and any closures with Natural Resources Wales before travelling.
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Parking
Hafren Forest has a visitor car park; check current parking arrangements with Natural Resources Wales.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Described as dog-friendly by Visit Wales; check current guidance and keep dogs under control around wildlife and other visitors.
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Accessibility
Some accessible features are described by Visit Wales, but suitability varies by route. Check route details and current conditions before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
River Severn
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Hafren Forest
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances