With the recent spell of glorious blue skies and sunshine, there’s no better time to embark on an outdoor escapade. Nestled in the heart of Wales, a mesmerising woodland captivates all who visit with its enchanting views, stunning waterfalls, and an impressive walkway.
A mere hop from the quaint Welsh town of Llanidloes lies Hafren Forest, a perfect haven for solitary ramblers, couples, or families – and what’s more, it’s absolutely free. This magical expanse, seemingly lifted from the pages of a storybook, covers approximately 15 square miles teeming with diverse wildlife.
From the forest’s car park, a leisurely 30-minute stroll leads you to a boardwalk that hugs the riverbank and meanders beside the rushing waters.
Spanning 0.9km, the boardwalk snakes through the trees and alongside the River Severn, offering an idyllic route for cyclists as well. With numerous picturesque spots ideal for a picnic, it’s wise to bring along some treats.
The forest’s splendour has not gone unnoticed; it has become an internet phenomenon, leaving people astounded by its beauty.
A video posted by travel aficionado Alison Finlayson garnered a staggering three million views, showcasing the allure of Hafren Forest. She enthused: “Hafren Forest is a must visit if you are ever in Wales. The walk along the boardwalk is simply mesmerising.”
She hailed it as “the most beautiful boardwalk in the UK”, highlighting its accessibility for wheelchair users and suitability for pet owners. “It is truly beautiful,” one person enthused. “Looks amazing,” another insisted.
“Been there, beautiful place,” a third chimed in. “This is stunning,” observed yet another admirer.
An excited commenter said: “This looks beautiful. I live in South Wales so will have to plan a trip to visit here. Never heard of it!” Another added: “Absolutely beautiful would love to walk there,”.
A frequent visitor to the area shared: “It is indeed beautiful. It’s in Mid wales little outside of a little town called Llanidloes, the only town I know that has lots of trails that all go back into the town, gorgeous cafes/restaurants!”.
Another enthusiast remarked: “I need to go, I absolutely love Wales, it’s so beautiful, I’m lucky where I live, it borders on south and mid Wales.” Meanwhile, someone from England discovered: “I’m from England this place is absolutely beautiful didn’t know it even existed.”
Getting there
For those planning a day excursion, expect a journey time of just over two hours from Cardiff or Swansea, slightly less from Birmingham, around 90 minutes from Wrexham, or under an hour if you’re coming from Aberystwyth on the Ceredigion coast.
To find your way there, the best approach is to use the postcode SY18 6SY for the car park, from which you can easily follow the trail.