This colourful forest trail with waterfalls ranks among the UK’s top 10 walks
- UK Hidden Gems
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
As soon as you step onto the woodland path, you notice the cool, fresh air mixed with the earthy smell of damp pine needles and moss, a clear sign that you are deep in wild and unspoilt nature.
This hidden gem is a peaceful spot filled with rushing waterfalls, signposted walking routes and the starting point of one of Britain’s greatest rivers.
The name Hafren comes from the Welsh name for the River Severn, Afon Hafren, which begins its long journey to the sea right here.
It is a carefully looked after forest with an interesting past and plenty of trails to try. Recent TikTok data has placed it at the top of the list for popular autumn walks in the UK, and it looks especially beautiful during autumn and winter.
Walking routes in the Peak District, Scotland and the Lake District also feature in the top ten.
Natural Resources Wales manages the forest, making sure it supports timber production, wildlife conservation and public access at the same time.
This careful balance means it is both an important home for animals and a favourite place for walkers and outdoor lovers.
Originally planted to grow timber, Hafren Forest has grown into a well known and easy to explore walking destination. Its mix of striking scenery, historic features and clearly marked paths draws visitors throughout the year.
The trails are clearly signposted and easy to follow. They twist and turn through tall pine and fir trees, whose branches often meet overhead to create natural archways above the path.
The river is the real highlight of the forest. The Afon Hafren, better known as the River Severn, starts high on the slopes of Pumlumon, with its hidden source lying just beyond the edge of the trees.
At first, the river is a small and gentle stream flowing quietly between the trunks. Soon it begins to build power, spilling over rocky steps and turning into loud, dramatic waterfalls that carve their way through the landscape.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
Comments