Image shared for Hafren Forest: full Source of the Severn Trail
Upland / Hill Circular

Hafren Forest: full Source of the Severn Trail

Walk

Powys

Distance
8.2 mi
Est. time
5h
Difficulty
Hard
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates
Save for later Follow this walk

Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.

About this walk

Start at Rhyd-y-benwch car park and follow the white waymarkers beside the River Severn through Hafren Forest. Pass the cascades and Blaen Hafren Falls, then climb towards open moorland. The stone path leads to the carved post marking the river’s source. Retrace this source spur to the forest junction, then take the full return through the old mine area and down the Afon Hore valley before rejoining the riverside approach to the car park.

Allow five hours for this strenuous circuit. There are steep climbs and descents, loose stones, wet moorland and a narrow shale path beside the river. Wear walking boots, carry waterproofs and stay on the established route near old mine workings. Open ground is exposed to changing weather, and sheep may be present. Follow signed closures or diversions; the trail does not include the mountain summit or the source of the Wye.

Parking is free, with no overnight parking. Temporary toilets and picnic areas are advertised at the car park. Approach lanes are narrow, so keep gateways and passing places clear and leave enough daylight to complete the walk.

Walk details

County
Powys
Walk type
Circular
Category
Upland / Hill
Distance
8.2 mi (13.2 km)
Est. time
5h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Along the route

28 places
Toilets
Essentials · 0.0 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 0.0 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.1 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 0.1 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 0.1 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.1 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.3 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 0.3 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.4 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.6 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.6 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.8 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.9 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 0.9 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.9 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.1 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.2 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.2 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.2 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.3 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.3 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.4 mi along
Information
Navigation · 1.9 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 2.0 mi along
Blaen Hafren
Waterfall · 2.0 mi along
Blaen Hafren
Spring · 3.7 mi along
Information
Navigation · 8.2 mi along
Rhyd-y-benwch
Parking · 8.2 mi along

Terms of Service

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.