This forest in Wales has become a popular spot for walkers, with a number of trails to follow and beautiful waterfalls to see – and it’s even free to park
Nestled in the heart of Wales, a picturesque walking route awaits that offers breathtaking views without the strenuous hike.
Halfren Forest is creating quite a stir among avid walkers who are flocking to the area to experience its beauty firsthand. Located near Llanidloes and named after the River Severn as Afon Hafren, this spot boasts scenic trails complete with an accessible boardwalk.
The river meanders peacefully through the forest, showcasing beautiful waterfalls and cascades. Freshwater fish can be seen swimming along its clear waterways, and a variety of wildlife, including rare birds, inhabit the surrounding trees.
While Natural Resources Wales manages and maintains the forest, it also serves as a commercial timber production site and event venue. It’s a popular location for motorsport events, hosting numerous 4×4 rallies, and even serving as a stage for the Wales Rally GB.
For those keen on walking, there are several routes to choose from, with two particularly popular trails. The Cascades Walk is one such trail, featuring a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that winds through the trees and leads to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfalls.
Another option for adventurous explorers is the Source of the Severn Trail, a longer route that takes you through the woodland’s beauty right down to the river’s source. As you follow the stream trickling through the trees, you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way.
One recent visitor to the site raved on TripAdvisor: “Absolutely stunning. Fantastic walks – the perfect day out if you enjoy fresh air and stunning scenery. Would definitely recommend.”
Another enthused: “This whole area has been designed and developed into a variety of walks and walkways with an excellent colour-coded display of each walk with distance, estimated time for each walk and highlights that you will experience on each walk.”
It’s worth noting that this forest walk offers free parking – a rare treat at such destinations. However, it does fill up quickly, so car sharing and avoiding peak times is advised.
One visitor dubbed the forest as “an absolute gem”. They penned: “Hafren Forest provides beautiful trails and scenic views…we took the red Cascades Walk, which takes you along the boardwalk to the cascades. This meets up with the dark blue trail up to Blaen Hafren Falls. This took around an hour and a half.”
However, many reviews highlight issues with the portable toilets in the forest. Many visitors reported them being blocked or unsanitary, with one person claiming they’re “unusable”.
