Forest or Woodland, free entry
Nr Aberystwyth,
Cerdedigion,
SY23 3UR
Details
The Hafod Forest occupies some 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and surrounding hills.
The Hafod Car Park picnic area is the gateway to the five historical walks which allow you to discover the picturesque Hafod Estate. Walks leaflets are available from a dispenser in the car park (dispenser requires 2 x £1 coins).
Bedford Monument Walk (1 mile, 1.6 kilometres)
A walk with a relatively gentle gradient up to the Bedford monument from where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the estate.
Ystwyth Gorge Walk (1 mile, 1.5 kilometres)
This spectacular route takes you across the rocky gorge on a wobbly (but safe!) narrow chain bridge. There are some climbs and descents along the way and steep drops beside the path.
The Lady’s Walk (2.2 miles, 3.6 kilometres)
This walk is one of two classic circular routes created by Johnes in his first years at Hafod. It takes you through a lovely meadow and past a stunning waterfall along paths with a gentle gradient.
The Gentleman’s Walk (6 miles, 3.7 kilometres)
This spectacular walk is the second “Picturesque” circuit created by Johnes. It takes in huge old beech trees, the amazing Cavern Cascade and unique bridges. It is a strenuous walk with many steep climbs and descents.
Coed Hafod Walk (three quarters of a mile, 1.2 kilometres)
This short walk runs west along the south-facing slope of the Ystwyth Valley and offers stunning views across the Hafod Estate. It passes through several different types of woodland and there is the option to join a different trail to complete a circular walk back to the car park.
Directions:
From Devils Bridge: take the B4574 to Cwmystwyth. Pass The Arch car park and carry on downhill. Turn right shortly after passing the Cwmystwyth sign. Go past Pwllpeiran Farm to a T-junction and turn right. Pass Hafod Church and turn left into Hafod Estate car park.
From Pontrhydygroes: head north on the B4343 and turn right onto the B4574 towards Cwmystwyth when you see the Hafod sign. Go along this road for one mile and Hafod Estate car park is on the right.
Public Transport:
The nearest station is in Aberystwyth
The OS grid ref is SN 768 736
All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from The Hafod car park. You can download a PDF of the trails before your visit or purchase the guide map produced by the Hafod Trust from the onsite dispensing machine (takes 2 x £1 coins) or by post from the Hafod Trust office. Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
Open all the time
Prices
Free entry
Address
Nr Aberystwyth,
Cerdedigion,
SY23 3UR
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SN 592809 Lat: 52.40812 Long: -4.07131
Hafod Car Park ( OS Grid Reference: SN 768 737): From the Hafod Arms Hotel in Devil's Bridge take the B4574 to Cwmystwyth. Pass the The Arch car park and proceed downhill. Turn right shortly after passing the "Cwmystwyth" sign. Go past ADAS Pwllpeiran and proceed to a T junction and turn right. Pass Hafod Church and turn left into Hafod Car Park.
From Pontrhydygroes proceed north on the B4343 and turn right onto the B4574 towards Cwmystwyth when you see the Natural Resources Wales Hafod sign. Proceed along this road for 1 mile. The Hafod Car Park is on the right hand side.
Cwmystwyth is the nearest town or village.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 12 miles from Aberystwyth station
Facilities
Public toilets
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from The Hafod car park. You can download a PDF of the trails before your visit or purchase the guide map produced by the Hafod Trust from the onsite dispensing machine (takes 2 x £1 coins) or by post from the Hafod Trust office. Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.