Near Llanidloes, Powys, Wales, SY18 6PT
Hafren Forest
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours, Half day
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5Follow the young River Severn from forest car park to tumbling cascades, with routes ranging from an accessible riverside boardwalk to a longer walk towards the river’s source on Pumlumon.
Hafren Forest earns its place for the way it brings the upper Severn’s cascades into reach: a short, accessible boardwalk walk sits alongside more demanding trails, including a route towards the river’s peat-bog source beyond the forest boundary.
Atmospheric · Wild
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Open mapNear Llanidloes, Powys, Wales, SY18 6PT
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The experience
Choose the accessible Cascades Walk for a short riverside outing, or take a longer waymarked trail to the Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall. The longest route reaches the river’s source just beyond the forest boundary.
Things to do
Walk the accessible Cascades Walk
Follow the 0.9 km waymarked route from the car park to a boardwalk along the river and a raised cascades viewing platform, returning on a wide, well-surfaced path through the forest.
About 30 minutes
See Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall
Take the 2.3 km waymarked trail from Rhyd-y-benwch. The route includes steps, a boardwalk through meadow, steep narrow steps down to the bridge over the waterfall, and a short steep climb on the return.
About 1 hour
Walk towards the Severn’s source
Take the longest forest route towards the River Severn’s source in a peat bog on the slopes of Pumlumon, just outside the forest boundary. Check trail information at the car park before setting out.
Take a picnic by the car park
Use the picnic areas near Rhyd-y-benwch car park before or after a walk.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 30 minutes
The riverside cascades
- 01
Start at Rhyd-y-benwch car park and check the trail information panel.
- 02
Follow the waymarked Cascades Walk down to the riverside boardwalk.
- 03
Pause at the raised platform to view the tumbling cascades, then return to the car park.
Half day · About 1 hour for the Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail
Waterfalls and a forest trail
- 01
Set out from Rhyd-y-benwch car park and follow the waymarked trail beside the river.
- 02
Continue through the meadow and along the stoned path to Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall.
- 03
Use the steep steps and trail return route only if they suit your ability and conditions.
Verified history
Natural Resources Wales says Hafren Forest was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s. Its name comes from Afon Hafren, the Welsh name for the River Severn. The river rises in a peat bog on the slopes of Pumlumon, then quickly gathers into a torrent with falls and cascades through the forest.
Hidden details
The Severn’s peat-bog source — The source of the River Severn is in a peat bog on the slopes of Pumlumon. Natural Resources Wales notes that the longest forest route reaches the source just beyond the forest boundary.
When to go
· Daylight, with time to read the trail information and take care on steep or narrow sections.
The supplied official information describes waymarked walks and waterfalls but does not specify a best season.
Natural Resources Wales notes steep steps and narrow sections on the Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail. Take extra care in wet or icy conditions and check current trail conditions before setting out.
What to look for
Watch the River Severn change from a young upland stream into a torrent, and look for the cascades from the riverside boardwalk and viewing platform. On the longer trails, look out for Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall.
Best time to go
Year-round; choose a clear day for longer walks and take particular care on steep or slippery sections in wet or icy weather.
Go in daylight when you can take your time on the trails. Allow extra care and time in wet or icy conditions, especially on steep steps and narrow sections.
How long to spend
1–2 hours, Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Photographers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
Natural Resources Wales describes waymarked trails from Rhyd-y-benwch car park, including an accessible riverside trail to a cascades viewing platform. Visitor numbers can be high; drive carefully on narrow country roads and park considerately. Check current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Free parking, including parking for Blue Badge holders, at Rhyd-y-benwch car park. Check current conditions before travelling; roads are narrow and visitor numbers can be high.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Temporary toilets in the car park.
Food & drink
Picnic areas near the car park. No café information supplied; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current rules with Natural Resources Wales before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Natural Resources Wales lists an accessible 0.9 km Cascades Walk, with a sloping path to a riverside boardwalk and a return along a wide, well-surfaced path. The route reaches a raised cascades viewing platform. Check current trail conditions and suitability before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
River, Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Hafren Forest
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
