Hafren Forest, located near Llanidloes in Mid Wales, is a popular destination for walking and enjoying the scenery, particularly around the source of the River Severn. The forest is named after Afon Hafren, the Welsh name for the River Severn, and offers various trails that lead to the river’s source and waterfalls, including the famous Severn-Break-its-Neck.
The forest itself was planted in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission. It’s lined with thousands of Pine and Spruce Trees. Offering around 15 square miles of breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Home to a variety of rare bird species, including buzzards, goshawks, red kites, and merlins. In addition, nearly all of the UK’s native freshwater fish species can be found in its waters, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Location:
Situated in the Cambrian Mountains, about 6 miles (9.65km) west of Llanidloes
River Severn:
The forest is known for the River Severn, with its source located just outside the forest boundary on the slopes of Pumlumon.
Walking Trails:
There are several waymarked trails, ranging from shorter walks to the waterfalls within the forest to longer routes leading to the river’s source. Walks through the forest will take you between 30 minutes and 4.5 hours, with terrain ranging from a man-made boardwalk to loose stone and steep slopes depending on what you pick.
Accessible Trail:
A boardwalk trail provides access to a viewing platform over the cascades.
Other Activities:
The forest also offers opportunities for picnicking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the natural landscape
Historic Interest:
The forest includes some heritage features, such as a standing stone and the remains of a mine.
Commercial Forestry:
While managed for recreation and wildlife, Hafren Forest is also a commercial forest, producing timber for various uses.
Get in touch
Location:
Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes, Powys
Telephone:0300 065 3000
Email:enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
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