Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Rhyd-y-benwch car park in Hafren Forest, west of Llanidloes. It goes first east to Severn-Break-its-Neck, by a path beside the river to the waterfall, where the River Severn drops down a gully under a footbridge, and returns to the car park along the forest lane. It then follows the young Severn up the forest on a riverside path to the Blaen Hafren falls, in the heart of the forest, and comes back down by a forest track.
It is 8.5 km with 155 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Moderate.
Natural Resources Wales describes steep, narrow steps down to the bridge at Severn-Break-its-Neck and a short steep climb back, and some steep ascents and descents on the way to Blaen Hafren falls.
The car park at Rhyd-y-benwch is free, and there are temporary toilets in it. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Severn-Break-its-Neck is a waterfall where the River Severn thunders down a gully, crossed by a footbridge
- Blaen Hafren Falls lie further up the Severn, through the heart of the forest
- The Welsh name of the River Severn is Afon Hafren, which gives the forest its name
- Hafren Forest was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s
Getting there
Start: Rhyd-y-benwch car park, Hafren Forest · Free parking. 52.46845, -3.68373
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Rhyd-y-benwch car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.