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Autumn Walks in Mid Wales

Autumn is one of the best times to walk in Mid Wales. From late September to early November the oak and birch woods turn copper, the bracken on the hills goes rust red and the rivers fill up after the first autumn rain. The paths across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) are quieter than in summer, and there's usually a pub or café at the end.

Where's the best place for autumn colour walks in Mid Wales? These are the routes we'd start with. Colour usually peaks from mid October into early November, depending on the weather.

Elan Valley reservoirs, Powys

The Elan Valley Trail follows the line of the old Birmingham Corporation railway from Rhayader up the valley past the Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu and Pen y Garreg reservoirs to Craig Goch. It's surfaced, level and good in any weather, and you can walk a short section or the full trail. For something wilder, the paths above the dams climb onto open hillside with views across the Cambrian Mountains. Cwm Elan, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, has maps, parking and a café.

Hafren Forest, Powys

West of Llanidloes, Hafren Forest is where the River Severn starts its journey to the sea. Waymarked trails follow the young river through the trees to the waterfall at Severn-break-its-neck, and a longer route climbs to the source of the Severn on the slopes of Pumlumon. In late autumn the larch among the conifers turns orange.

Glyndŵr's Way

Glyndŵr's Way is a National Trail across Powys, running from Knighton to Machynlleth and back east to Welshpool through hill farms, forestry and open moorland. You don't need to walk the whole thing. The sections around Llanidloes, Llyn Clywedog and Machynlleth make good day walks in autumn. See our walking routes for more.

Mawddach Trail, Southern Eryri

The Mawddach Trail runs for about nine and a half miles from Dolgellau to Barmouth along an old railway line beside the estuary. It's flat and traffic-free, so it suits families, cyclists and anyone who wants the view without the climb. The oak woods at Penmaenpool are at their best in October. From Dolgellau, the Precipice Walk is a shorter circular path with views over the estuary and towards Cadair Idris.

Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion

The nature trails at Devil's Bridge Waterfalls drop down into a wooded gorge beside the Mynach Falls, which are at their loudest after autumn rain. The steps are steep and can be slippery, so wear boots with a good grip. You can arrive on the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth.

Ceredigion Coast Path

The Ceredigion Coast Path is part of the Wales Coast Path, running from Ynyslas near Borth to Cardigan. In autumn you'll share the headlands with very few people, and from September to November grey seal pups lie on the beaches below the cliffs. The stretch between New Quay and Llangrannog is a good day's walk. Keep well back from the edge and keep dogs on a lead near seals. See the Wales Coast Path.

Good to know

Days are short in autumn, so start early and plan to finish before dark. Carry a torch, a map and a waterproof, and check the forecast for the hills. Paths through woods and down to waterfalls get muddy and leaf-covered, so boots are better than trainers. Take care on high ground in mist, particularly on Cadair Idris and Pumlumon.

After a long walk, a cottage with a wood burner makes all the difference. Browse places to stay with open fires and log burners, or see autumn in Mid Wales for more ideas.

Inspiration

Southern Snowdonia | Dolgellau and the Mawddach
Dark Skies and Stargazing in Mid Wales

Some of the darkest skies in Britain, with the Milky Way overhead on a clear night. Here is where to go, what to look for and when.
Accommodation with Open Fires and Log Burners

A log burner, thick blankets and a walk from the door. These cottages, inns and B&Bs are made for autumn and winter evenings in Mid Wales.
Autumn in Mid Wales

Copper woods in the Elan Valley, waterfalls running full after the rain and red kites over Rhayader. Autumn in Mid Wales is for walking in the morning and settling in by the fire at night.
Wildlife Watching in Autumn in Mid Wales

Hundreds of red kites over Rhayader, seal pups in the coves below the coast path and the first winter geese on the estuaries. Autumn is a busy season for wildlife.
Waterfalls in Mid Wales

After autumn rain the waterfalls of Mid Wales are at their loudest. Devil's Bridge, Pistyll Rhaeadr and Dolgoch Falls are all short walks from the car or the train.

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Cambrian & Cambrian Coast Line

Address

SY20 8BL

Enjoy a great day out on the spectacular Cambrian Railway Lines. The lines from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the Cambrian Coast from Machynlleth to Pwllheli offer stunning coast, country and mountain views of any rail journey in the UK.
Brad Carr's School of Photography | 1:1 Tuition, Workshops & Retreats

Address

Prince Of Wales Drive, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7UE

Telephone
07479 503324

brad@bradcarrphotography.co.uk

Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Through the school of photography, I offer a comprehensive range of learning experiences for photographers at all stages of their creative journey. These include group landscape photography workshops, private 1:1 photography tuition, and residential…
Black Mountain Adventure

Address

Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SD

Telephone
01497 847897

info@blackmountain.co.uk

Brecon

An Award Winning Outdoor Adventure Centre in the stunning Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). At Black Mountain we offer a wide range of exciting activities from archery to caving, paddle boarding to gorge walking, land karting to high ropes, &…
Llwybrau Mawddwy Paths

Address

Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, LL49 9LP

Dinas Mawddwy

The Llwybrau Cerdded - Mawddwy - Walking Paths are based in Dinas Mawddwy, an unspoilt, hidden area of southern Snowdonia between Machynlleth and Dolgellau which is steeped in history.
Serydda | Stargazing Experiences

Address

Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JB

Telephone
01974 298150

serydda@gmail.com

Tregaron

Whether you're looking to see a few twinkling stars or fancy photographing the Milky Way, a great meteor shower or the rare noctilucent clouds, Dafydd's your man to take you to the right place at the right time. 60-minute stargazing experiences,…
National Wool Museum | Village Trail

Address

National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Near Newcastle Emlyn, Llandysul, SA44 5UP

Telephone
0300 111 2 333

wool@museumwales.ac.uk

Near Newcastle Emlyn

Follow a self guided walk around the village of Drefach Felindre highlighting historical and interesting facts about the woollen industry in the locality.
Heart of Wales Railway Line

Address

Shrewsbury - Swansea, LD1 6BG

Telephone
01654 702653

Shrewsbury - Swansea

The Heart of Wales Line is one of Britain's most scenic rural railways. The line runs for 120 miles of dramatic scenery from Shrewsbury to Swansea, crossing two impressive viaducts at Knucklas and Cynghordy and through six tunnels, including one…
Dragon Trails Walking Holidays | Brecon Beacons

Address

4 Llanbedr Road, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BT

Telephone
01873 810970

richard@dragontrails.com

Crickhowell

Explore the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains with an experienced guide from a delightful guesthouse in Crickhowell. Short walking breaks for 4 to 8 people based at a 4-star guest house in Crickhowell in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.

Price
Price £470.00 per adult
Aberdabbadoo

Address

Corlan, North Road, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, SY23 2EE

Telephone
07807699118

alisonpierse@gmail.com

Aberystwyth

Aberdabbadoo offers relaxed, small-group themed guided walks around Aberystwyth, sharing quirky stories about the town, its buildings and people. Join a scheduled walk or arrange a private experience for your group. Explore the guided walking…
Montgomery Trails | Cross Offa Walk

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

This walk straddles the border between Wales and England and provides wonderful views of Welsh hills all around, with almost no climbing necessary on the walk
9 miles (14.5km) Moderate - 4-5hours
Download PDF
Offas Dyke Circular

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

Enjoy a ramble through lovely parkland followed by tranquil farmland paths and a section adjacent to Offas Dyke
4 miles (6.5km) Easy Walk about 2 hours
Download PDF
Adventure Britain

Address

Ty Anturiaeth, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath, SA10 9DT

Telephone
01639 700388

sales@adventurebritain.com

Seven Sisters

Leading group adventure activity provider at Seven Sisters near Ystradgynlais, on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Adventure Britain runs multi-activity breaks for adults, stag and hen groups, schools, youth, families and corporate…
Devil's Bridge Waterfalls | Nature Trails

Address

Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
01970 890233

visit@devilsbridgefalls.co.uk

Aberystwyth

Devil's Bridge Falls is a spectacular waterfall attraction at Devil's Bridge in the heart of the Mid Wales' Cambrian Mountains.
Montgomery Trails | Rolling Marches Walk

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

The ranges of hills west of Montgomery can be fully appreciated from this fairly strenuous walk over the rolling Marches landscape.
5miles (8km) moderate grade. 2.5hours
Montgomery Trails | Beneath the Fridd

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

Step out of Montgomery onto field paths giving delightful views and a flavour of the Montgomeryshire countryside.
3 miles (5 km) moderate grade - 1-1.5hours
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cwrt Walk

Address

Cwrt, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Village car park, Cwrt
Grid Reference:SH 688 000
Distance: 4.8 km – 3 miles (with extension 6.6 km - 4 miles)
Grade: Moderate (extension energetic)
Terrain: Tarmac road, firm tracks, fields and woodland
Maps: OS Explorer - OL 23
Brecon | Town Trail

Address

Aberhonddu | Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AD

Telephone
01874 624437

enquiries@beacons-npa.gov.uk

Aberhonddu | Brecon

Town Trail walking route around Brecon
Walking Newtown | Waterways and Town

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Y Drenewydd | Newtown

This 2.5 circular mile walk starts in the centre of Newtown and largely circles around the western boundaries of Newtown. It will take you along the River Severn and has some road and off-road walking.
Hafren Forest | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Hafren Forest (NRW), Rhyd-y-benwch car park, Old Hall, Near Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6PT

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Old Hall, Near Llanidloes

Choice of walking trails along the River Severn which flows through Hafren Forest. Trails go to waterfalls and the source of the Severn on Pumlumon. Riverside accessible trail with viewing platform over cascades. Picnic area and toilets.
Bala & Penllyn | Walking Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

The Bala & Penllyn area has a wide range of Walking Trails for everyone – including: all ability, children, heritage, scenic and mountain walks - and all through stunning mountain and lake scenery of southern Snowdonia.
Spirit of the Miners Circular Walk

Address

Pontarfynach | Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of 'Spirit of the Miners' Walks
Open fields, steep woodland trails, 3 river crossings
Start/Finish: SN738767 - Devils Bridge
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 110K/6M
Time: 3hrs