Explore Mid Wales
Follow woodland trails beside rivers, cascades and waterfalls within easy reach of Fronlwyd Escapes. These are places we would genuinely recommend: from Hafren’s well-known trails to a hidden waterfall in Dyfi Forest, a remarkable piece of industrial history and three falls tucked into a wooded ravine.
Photo: Natural Resources Wales
Near Llanidloes
Hafren Forest follows the young River Severn as it tumbles down from the slopes of Pumlumon. Waymarked trails wind through the trees, beside cascades and across boardwalks, with routes ranging from an accessible riverside walk to the longer journey towards the river’s source.
Its popularity is understandable: Hafren offers a choice of clearly marked routes and a strong sense of the water, woodland and upland landscape of the Cambrian Mountains.
More places to explore
Choose a short forest walk, pause beside a historic waterfall or make a fuller outing of exploring three falls in a wooded ravine.
Photo: Natural Resources Wales
Just north of Machynlleth
One of the most useful local discoveries, Tan y Coed has two waymarked trails through Dyfi Forest. Both pass the waterfall and river, while the longer route climbs through the trees, squeezes through a rock passage and returns with views across the forest. There is also a children’s animal-discovery trail, picnic tables, toilets and free parking.
View the official trail guide
A short local stop
This beautifully preserved eighteenth-century charcoal furnace stands beside the waterfall that once powered its waterwheel. Steps and paths lead around the monument to a viewing platform above the falls. It is a small visit rather than a full day out, making it easy to combine with Machynlleth, Ynyslas or another stop in the Dyfi Valley.
View official Cadw information
Photo: Visit Tywyn
Near Tywyn
Three levels of waterfalls descend through a wooded ravine at Dolgoch. A circular route explores the falls, or guests can make the journey part of a day on the Talyllyn Railway by leaving the train at Dolgoch station and rejoining a later service. The lower fall is the easiest to reach; paths to the upper falls are steep and include many steps.
Plan a visit to the falls
© Crown copyright
A fuller day near Aberystwyth
At Devil’s Bridge, the River Mynach drops through a deep wooded gorge beneath the famous three bridges. Choose between the short Punchbowl walk and the longer nature trail, which descends steeply through the gorge and includes many steps.
The Vale of Rheidol steam railway can turn the journey from Aberystwyth into part of the day. The railway and waterfall walks are separate attractions with separate tickets, and some timetables do not leave enough time for the full nature trail. Check both before deciding whether to travel by train or car.
Check walks and opening informationGood to know
Hafren is the best-known option and can become busy during sunny weekends and school holidays, so arrive earlier or later for a calmer walk. Tan y Coed is a good alternative when you want a shorter waymarked forest route. Dyfi Furnace is best treated as an interesting stop on a wider day out, while Dolgoch rewards more time and sturdier footwear.
Before setting out
Stay at Fronlwyd Escapes
After a day beside rivers and waterfalls, return to Fronlwyd for a quiet evening, a soak in your private wood-fired hot tub and a night beneath the wide Mid Wales sky.
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