Nestled in the heart of Wales, a picturesque walking route awaits amidst a vast woodland, offering breathtaking views without the strenuous hike.

Halfren  Forest has been 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 tranquilly through the forest, showcasing a series of stunning waterfalls and cascades. Freshwater fish can be seen navigating its clear waterways, while a variety of wildlife, including several rare bird species, inhabit the surrounding trees.

Managed by Natural Resources Wales, the forest is not only maintained for its natural beauty but also serves as a commercial timber production site and event venue. It hosts numerous 4×4 events and rallies, even serving as a location 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 enchanting woodland right down to the river’s source. Here, you can watch the stream trickle through the trees and enjoy spectacular views along the way.

One TripAdvisor review from a recent visitor says: “Absolutely stunning. Fantastic walks – the perfect day out if you enjoy fresh air and stunning scenery. Would definitely recommend.”

Another wrote: “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 highlighting that the forest walk provides complimentary parking – unusual for such destinations. However, spaces fill up rapidly, so visitors are advised to share vehicles and steer clear of busy periods where possible.

One guest described the forest as “an absolute gem”. They wrote: “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.”

Multiple reviews flag concerns about the standard of portable facilities available in the forest. Numerous visitors report them being blocked or unhygienic, with one individual describing them as “unusable”.