Near St Harmon, off the A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig, Powys, LD6 5LF
Gilfach Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Donation
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.1A 166-hectare former hill farm in the Marteg Valley, where wildlife-rich habitats meet a landscape shaped by its farming history.
Gilfach offers more than a scenic walk: an old hill farm, varied habitats and a notable record of wildlife and lichens make it a genuinely rewarding place to explore. Its waymarked trails include a short Easy Access option, though grazing animals and temporary path closures can affect visits.
Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapNear St Harmon, off the A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig, Powys, LD6 5LF
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Take a waymarked trail through the old farm landscape, keeping an eye out for wildlife and the reserve’s rich lichen life. Choose the short Easy Access Trail from the Old Farmyard or check the trail map and current conditions before setting out.
Things to do
Walk a waymarked trail
Choose from several waymarked routes through the reserve; consult the trail map and check current path conditions before setting off.
Take the Easy Access Trail
Follow the short Easy Access Trail from the Old Farmyard. Confirm current conditions and suitability with the reserve before visiting.
Watch for birds and lichens
Give yourself time to look and listen: the trust reports 55 breeding bird species and 413 lichen species at Gilfach.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; check the trail map for the route length.
A short trail from the Old Farmyard
- 01
Start from the Old Farmyard.
- 02
Follow the short Easy Access Trail, checking current conditions and any closures.
- 03
Pause to look for birds and notice the reserve’s varied habitats and lichen life.
Half day · Half day; exact walking time depends on the trail selected.
Explore more of the Marteg Valley reserve
- 01
Start at the Welcome Gateway car park off the A470.
- 02
Choose a waymarked trail using the reserve’s trail map.
- 03
Explore the old hill-farm landscape and watch for wildlife across its different habitats.
- 04
Check for grazing animals and any closed paths before and during your visit.
Verified history
Gilfach is a former hill farm. The reserve covers 166 hectares and is described by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust as an old hill farm rich in wildlife and history. The supplied evidence does not establish further dates or specific historic events.
Hidden details
A remarkable lichen tally — The reserve records 413 lichen species—a reason to look closely at trees and other surfaces, not only at the wider landscape.
Check for grazing animals — Cattle and sheep graze on the reserve from April to November; the trust warns that some fields and paths may be closed when animals are present.
When to go
April · May · June · September · October · Morning is a sensible time for a quieter visit and wildlife watching; no specific best time is confirmed by the supplied sources.
The source row identifies April to June for wildflowers and migratory birds, while the reserve’s own page notes grazing animals from April to November and warns of possible path closures. Autumn is also suggested in the source row for foliage colour.
Weather-specific conditions are not provided. Check the forecast and current reserve notices before travelling; path conditions and access may change.
Worth pairing with
Rhayader
The source row identifies Rhayader as the nearby town, but provides no specific café, pub or other pairing that can be verified here.
Elan Valley
Mentioned as a nearby place to visit in the supplied Rhayader-area source. Check current details and travel time before combining it with a reserve visit.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the contrast between open farm ground, woodland and river habitats. The reserve records 55 breeding bird species and 413 lichen species
- 02
take time to notice the smaller growths on trees and rocks as well as birdlife.
The story
Historic hill farm and landscape
Best time to go
Spring to early summer for wildflowers and breeding birds; autumn for changing colours. Cattle and sheep graze on site from April to November.
Spring and early summer are a good choice for wildflowers and breeding birds. Visit in the morning for a quieter walk and time to watch for wildlife; check current conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Practical information
Opening & access
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust lists several waymarked trails, including a short Easy Access Trail from the Old Farmyard. Donations are requested. Check current access and any path closures before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Car park at the Welcome Gateway entrance off the A470. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check the reserve's current guidance before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The trust describes a short Easy Access Trail from the Old Farmyard for less mobile visitors. Confirm current route conditions and suitability before visiting.
Cost
Donation
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Gilfach Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances