Hafren Forest Boardwalk
Walk to the Source of the River Severn
If you’ve seen a wooden boardwalk winding through a forest popping up on Instagram lately, chances are it’s the one in Hafren Forest.
Tucked away in Mid Wales, this peaceful spot has quickly become one of the most talked-about walks in the area, and it’s easy to see why.
The Hafren Forest boardwalk is flat, easy to follow, and surrounded by towering pines, mossy ground, and the sound of running water. It’s one of those places that feels miles away from everything, yet is surprisingly easy to get to.
The Cascades Walk (the famous boardwalk route)
The boardwalk forms part of the Cascades Walk, one of the most popular short walks in Mid Wales.
Distance: around 0.5 miles
Terrain: flat, wide wooden boardwalk and forest paths
Start point: Rhyd-y-benwch car park
From the car park, the trail leads you through tall pine trees before opening up to the River Severn. The boardwalk takes you right alongside the water, finishing at a viewing platform where you can watch the cascades.
You’ll hear the river before you see it, especially after a bit of rain.
Where is the Hafren Forest boardwalk?
Hafren Forest
Hafren Forest is located near Llanidloes in Mid Wales, on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains.
It’s one of the best-known forest walks in Mid Wales and marks the starting point of the River Severn.
If you're staying with us at Coety Bach, it’s just over an hour’s drive from the cabin, making it an easy and worthwhile day out.
Walking to the source of the River Severn
For those wanting something a bit more adventurous, you can continue beyond the boardwalk and follow the river upstream.
This route leads all the way to the source of the River Severn on the slopes of Pumlumon, the highest point in Mid Wales.
It’s a completely different feel up there. You leave the forest behind and head out onto open moorland, with big skies and a much wilder, quieter landscape.
Is the Hafren Forest boardwalk accessible?
One of the biggest draws of this walk is how accessible it is.
The boardwalk is:
Flat and wide
Easy underfoot
Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs (on the main section)
That’s quite rare in this part of Wales, where many walks involve uneven terrain or steeper climbs.
If you’re looking for an easy walk in Mid Wales with beautiful scenery, this is a great choice.
Parking, facilities and how to find it
Main car park: Rhyd-y-benwch
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Toilets available at the car park
Picnic tables nearby
Wildlife and nature in Hafren Forest
Hafren Forest is full of wildlife if you take your time.
You might spot:
Red kites and buzzards overhead
Frogs and insects near the river
Fungi, mosses, and lichens along the forest floor
It’s the kind of place where slowing down really pays off.
A few things you might not know
Hafren is the Welsh name for the River Severn (Afon Hafren)
The forest was planted in the 1930s
This area marks the start of both the Wye Valley Walk and the Severn Way
Top tip: It’s become a popular spot, so try to arrive early on sunny days, weekends, or during school holidays.
Coety Bach is the perfect end to a day in the Hafren Forest.
Hafren Forest walks
Hafren Forest
Hafren Forest isn’t just about the boardwalk, there are several scenic walking routes to choose from depending on how far you want to go.
Severn Break-its-Neck Waterfall Trail
A moderate walk of around 1½ miles (2.3 km) following a picturesque path through the forest, leading to a dramatic waterfall. Allow roughly an hour to enjoy it at a steady pace.
Blaen Hafren Falls Trail
A slightly longer moderate route at 3¾ miles (6 km), taking around 1½ hours. This one takes you deeper into the forest with a bit more variety underfoot and some lovely viewpoints along the way.
Source of the Severn Trail
For those wanting more of a challenge, this 8 mile (13 km) route is a proper hike. It heads up towards the source of the River Severn, passing a standing stone, old mine remains, and the ruins of a former farmstead along the way.
Worth adding to your Mid Wales itinerary
Whether you’re after a gentle wander or a longer walk into the hills, the Hafren Forest boardwalk is one of those places that suits just about everyone.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
If you’re planning a stay in Mid Wales, it’s well worth adding to your list.
Staying nearby at Coety Bach
If you’re planning to explore Hafren Forest, it makes a lovely day out from Coety Bach. We’re tucked away overlooking the Ithon Valley, about an hour from Hafren Forest, so you can head out for a wander along the boardwalk and be back at the cabin by tea time
It’s the best of both worlds, a bit of adventure during the day, then back to your own quiet space to unwind, whether that’s a soak in the hot tub or a slow evening watching the light fade over the hills.
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FAQ’s
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Yes, the main Cascades Walk and boardwalk section are flat and wide, making them suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some of the longer routes beyond this are more uneven.
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The Cascades Walk itself can be done in around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how long you stop along the way. You can easily extend it into a longer walk.
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The main car park is Rhyd-y-benwch, and the walk is clearly signposted from there.
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Yes, you can follow the river upstream all the way to its source on Pumlumon. This is a much longer and more challenging walk compared to the boardwalk section.
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It’s become more popular in recent years, especially on social media. It can get busy on sunny days and weekends, but quieter times are easy to find if you go early or visit midweek.
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Yes, it can be even more atmospheric. After rainfall, the cascades are more dramatic, and the forest has that fresh, misty feel.
Why not stay at Coety bach?
Book your stay with us today.
