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Hafren Forest

This forest takes its name from the Afon Hafren (the River Severn) which rises in a nearby peat bog high on the slopes of Pumlumon, one of the loftiest peaks in Mid Wales, before beginning its descent to the Bristol Channel.

Once the lonely moorland home of sheep and deserted lead mines, Hafren Forest now covers 40 square kilometres due to the reforestation which began in 1937.  The river’s source, which is easily accessible from the forest, is also the starting point for Britain longest riverside walk – the Severn Way.

Although Hafren Forest is still a commercial source for the timber industry, the forty year felling cycle has meant that the forest’s managers have been able to develop a habitat with a reputation for abundant wildlife and relaxing walks for visitors.

The forest is a haven for birds. buzzards, goshawks and the rare red kite are often seen overhead while sparrowhawks inhabit the edges of the forest. The local streams are home to vast populations of frogs and toads as well as being the spawning grounds for migratory salmon.

The Forestry Commission has created a number of different trails in the area including the Cascades trail which has an easily accessible boardwalk for those with limited mobility. One popular walk is the Blaen Hafren Falls trail, a three mile walk deep into the forest, whilst the first waterfall on the Severn – the Neck – lends its name to another route.

Talybont-on-Usk

The wild woods of Talybont-on-Usk lie alongside the sweeping Talybont Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The waterfalls of Blaen-y-Glyn are situated at the head of the forest while the stone walls that litter the area are all that remain of the once thriving farming community. During the 19th century limestone was quarried and transported along the Bryn Oer tramway and Brecon-Merthyr railway. Walkers can now take a gentle stroll along the railway’s old route as part of the Taff Trail which runs through the area.

The area is home to badgers, bats, otters, hares and foxes while the easily accessible bird hide overlooking the reservoir is the ideal spot to watch peregrine, buzzards, kestrels and even visiting ospreys.

Foel Friog

From its northern tip at Aberllefenni to Corris in the south, this 1.5 mile walk passes through some delightful areas including some Sites of Special Scientific Interest and offers stunning views of old slate quarries and the imposing Cadair Idris. The trail begins at the Forestry Commission picnic site at Aberllefenni with a strenuous opening section before a more moderate path winds through a conifer plantation and past an 18th century ruined farmstead at Pen-y-Bryn. The walk continues north on to Corris across a mountain side with Conifers on one side and mighty oaks on the other.

The area is also home to a number of dedicated ‘Health Walks’ for all the family (leaflets are available on site). For further information check out www.forestry.gov.uk or contact graeme.stringer@forestry.gsi.gov.uk