There’s a boardwalk in Mid Wales that’s been popping up all over Instagram lately and it’s not hard to see why. The Hafren Forest boardwalk is being called the most beautiful in Wales, and once you’ve seen it, you’ll understand the fuss. It’s flat, peaceful, and completely surrounded by nature, a proper breath of fresh air.

A Cracking Day Out from Coety Bach

If you're staying with us at Coety Bach, Hafren Forest is just under an hour’s drive from the cabin, so it's a great choice for a full day's hike. Whether you're in the mood for a gentle wander or a longer ramble, this place ticks all the boxes.

One of the most popular routes is the Cascades Walk, an easy half-mile trail that takes you from the car park through tall pines, over a wide wooden boardwalk, and up to a lovely viewing platform beside the River Severn. You’ll hear the river long before you see it, especially after some rain.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can keep going all the way to the source of the River Severn itself, right up on the slopes of Pumlumon, Mid Wales’ highest mountain. It's a proper walk that takes you out of the forest and into open moorland, with big skies and wild views all the way.

Flat, Accessible and Friendly for All

The beauty of this boardwalk is how accessible it is. It’s flat and wide, making it ideal for wheelchairs or anyone who just needs a bit of steady ground underfoot. There aren’t many places in the Cambrians where you can get that close to nature without scrambling over rocks or dealing with steep climbs.

Top Tips Before You Go

The main car park is called Rhyd-y-benwch and the What3Words location is ///trace.mostly.senders.
If it’s a sunny day or school holidays, it’s best to get there early, it’s become quite the hotspot for walkers and photographers.
There are toilets at the car park and picnic tables dotted about if you fancy a picnic after your walk.

A Few Fun Facts

Hafren Forest was planted back in the 1930s and named after the Welsh name for the River Severn – Afon Hafren.
It’s the starting point of both the Wye Valley Walk and the Severn Way, so it’s got some proper hiking credentials.
The area’s full of wildlife, from red kites and buzzards above to frogs, fungi, and mossy stumps down below.

If you’re looking for a walk that’s beautiful, peaceful, and doable for everyone, this one’s hard to beat. Pack your boots, charge your camera, and head out for a proper Mid Wales adventure.