Hafren Forest in Mid Wales is regularly listed as one of the best forest walks in the UK, offering cascading waters, marked trails, and the source of a mighty river. The forest has become hugely popular online, with hikers and travel experts often calling it the "best forest walk" and the "best boardwalk" in the UK. Social media trends have helped make it the UK's most talked-about autumn walk, thanks to its dramatic pine trees, waterfalls, and easy riverside path.
Atmospheric Autumn Trails
From pine-backed dunes to ancient woodlands and forest drives, you can enjoy loads of forest trails and walks under colourful leafy canopies this autumn in Wales. Across the country, forests transform into nature's full spectrum of reds, yellows, and oranges as temperatures drop. With cooler temperatures and crisp air on the way, autumn is the perfect time to dust off your hiking boots, wrap up warm, and head out on those serene forest trails.
Its name, Hafren, comes from the Welsh word for the River Severn (Afon Hafren), which begins its epic journey to the sea right here. It's a carefully managed woodland with a fascinating history and many trails to explore. According to TikTok data, it's topped the list of popular autumn walks in the UK and is at its most beautiful in autumn and winter.
Managed Woodland and History
Managed by Natural Resources Wales, the forest balances commercial forestry, conservation, and public enjoyment, making it a vital wildlife habitat and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. From its beginnings as a planted timber forest, the Hafren Forest has become a popular, accessible walking destination. Its mix of natural beauty, heritage features, and well-maintained trails attracts visitors year-round.
The trails here are well-marked and inviting. They wind through groves of pines and firs, and their natural symmetry forms overhead archways that frame the path ahead. The long, winding river takes centre stage here. The Afon Hafren, better known as the River Severn, begins its journey on the slopes of Pumlumon, with its hidden source waiting just beyond the forest.
Key Trails and Routes
You can visit the forest year-round, but autumn and winter are favourite times, as it's less crowded, especially on a weekday. Plenty of trails let you plod along here, and they are waymarked from start to finish. Starting at the Rhyd-y-benwch car park, the paths lead you through towering trees, past rushing waterfalls, and even to the hidden source of the River Severn.
My top trail is the 13 km-long Source of the Severn Trail, which leads to the source of the River Severn through a varied landscape. It's remarkable to think that the mighty River Severn, which spans over 220 miles, begins its journey here in Hafren Forest. The river's humble origins on the slopes of Pumlumon quickly gather momentum as it carves its way through the forest, forming a series of lively cascades and waterfalls.
As you follow the trails, the river's sound changes, growing stronger and more insistent. Each step brings you closer to the water's soothing rhythm, building like an overture before revealing its hidden source beyond the forest's edge. Reaching the source is no ordinary walk. A steep climb takes you onto the moorland, where a simple, carved wooden post marks the beginning of the UK's longest river.
Long-Distance Walks and Local Gems
Hafren Forest is also the starting point for two epic long-distance walks. The Wye Valley Walk follows the River Wye for 136 miles, while the Severn Way traces the Severn's journey to Bristol. For a shorter, more accessible walk, the 2.3 km Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail offers a scenic stomp through the serene woodland.
This trail is as dramatic as its name suggests. Beginning at the car park, you'll follow a gently winding path along the river before it opens into a meadow, where a boardwalk takes you closer to the sound of rushing water. After a brief climb, the Severn-Break-Its-Neck waterfall comes into view. For a longer hike, the 6 km Blaen Hafren Falls Trail offers a longer, more immersive walk through the forest canopy. The route follows a well-surfaced gravel path alongside the River Severn, leading you through tranquil woodland.
Another reason Hafren is a top forest in Wales is its proximity to the charming market town of Llanidloes. Here you'll find a 17th-century timber-framed market hall, a selection of independent shops and cafes, and an ideal blend of chic boutiques and small-town allure. It's also a great place for a post-walk pub lunch or coffee and cakes in the vintage Cobblers Tea Room. Located on the High Street, it's a cosy spot for coffee and cakes. This cosy, traditional tea room has welcomed visitors since coming under new management in December 2018, and has become a local favourite.
The Red Lion is another great pub with two main bars, a cosy lounge room with a roaring fire, and nine en-suite bedrooms upstairs if you want to stay the night. Their Sunday carvery also comes highly recommended. For a longer stay, Cedar Cottage in Llanidloes offers a snug, semi-detached barn conversion that was once a grinding mill and offers a pleasant setup for a small family of four or a group of friends, with amenities including double and twin rooms, an equipped kitchen, a sitting room with an electric stove, and a shared rear garden with patio furniture.
