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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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Glyndwr's Way | Llanwddyn - Welshpool

Address

Mid Wales, Powys, SY21 7DD

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

A 132 mile National Trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15th Century Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr
Llanwrtyd Wells | Heritage Trail

Address

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW

Llanwrtyd Wells

Many of the locations in Llanwrtyd Wells have an interesting history and walking the Heritage Trail is an excellent way of learning about the town and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Wales Coast Path | Ceredigion

Address

Wales Coast Path | Ceredigion Coast, Cardigan - Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5HX

Telephone
0300 065 3000

wcp@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Cardigan - Borth

The Ceredigion Coast section of the Wales Coast Path providers the walker with glimpses of dolphins and porpoise, seals and a host of marine birds throughout the year around the majestic sweep of Cardigan Bay .
Dyfnant Forest | Pont Llogel Wood

Address

Dyfnant & Vyrnwy Forests (NRW), Car Park & Picnic Site, Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, SY21 0QH

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Lake Vyrnwy

Pont Llogel is a small woodland within the Dyfnant Forest next to the Afon Efyrnwy (River Vyrnwy) and the car park and picnic area is set beside an old stone bridge at the edge of a hamlet. This tranquil area has been designated a SSSI choice of 3…
Glyndwr's Way National Trail

Address

Trail Start - Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

Powys

A 132 mile trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15c Welsh warrior and self proclaimed Prince Owain Glyndwr
Cwm Rhaeadr Woodland | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Cwm Rhaeadr Woodland (NRW), Near Llandovery, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Llandovery

Six miles from Llandovery, this woodland and picnic area is in the peaceful Tywi valley. Glimpse the waterfall on the walking trail or explore the woodland on the accessible trail. Red-graded mountain bike trail for experienced riders.
The Ann Griffiths Walk

Address

Pont Llogel, Llwydiarth to Pontrobert, Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, SY21 0QG

Telephone
01597 827567

Lake Vyrnwy

The Ann Griffiths Trail is a 7 mile linear walk that follows closely the bank of the River Vyrnwy for most of its length with the Berwyn mountains forming a splendid backdrop. The path runs from Pont Llogel, Llwydiarth to Pontrobert with scenery…
Glyndwr's Way | Machynlleth - Llanwddyn

Address

Mid Wales, Powys, SY20 8EE

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

A 132 mile National Trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15th Century Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr
Circular Walk 3 - Fachwen Pool

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Powys

Starting in the center of Newtown, this route follows the long distance Severn Way to the lake and returns via Penshwa Lane and Ffrydd Farm.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cae Adda Walk

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Near Dovey Valley Shooting Centre
Limited car parking
Grid Reference: SH 806 051
Distance: 10 km – 6.2 miles
Grade: Moderate with some steep sections
Terrain: Fields, rough tracks
Maps: OS Explorer - 215
Severn Way Walk

Address

Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6EE

Telephone
01938 551000

Walk the Severn Way, a long distance footpath tracing the route of Britain's longest river, from its sources to the sea.
Ceredigion Coast Path | Llangrannog - New Quay

Address

Llangrannog - New Quay, Llangrannog, Ceredigion, SA44 6SD

Telephone
01239 613230

CardiganTIC@Ceredigion.gov.uk

Llangrannog

3rd section of the Cerdigion Coastal Path
Total distance 15km (9.4 miles)
Llangrannog to Cwm Tydu 9.4km (5.9 miles), grade/moderate
Cwm Tydu to New Quay 5.6km (3.5 miles, grade/moderate
Talybont | Mynydd Gorddu Walk

Address

Talybont Village Green, Talybont, Ceredigion, SY24 5HE

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Talybont

Start: Tal-y-bont village green
Grid Reference: SN654 891
Distance: Walk A: 10.5 km – 6.5 miles
Walk B: 9.8 km – 6.1 miles
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Tarmac road, firm tracks, fields and woodland. Can be muddy in places
Aberdyfi Circular Walk off the Wales Coast Path

Address

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED

Telephone
01286 679217

tourism@gwynedd.gov.uk

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey

Circular walk starting from the popular coastal town of Aberdyfi. Stunning sandy beach, medieval castle site, tales of sunken villages, and far-reaching views of the Dyfi estuary and Cambrian coast are all part of this short but scenic walk.
Glyndwr's Way | Llanidloes - Machynlleth

Address

Llanidloes - Machynlleth, Powys, SY18 6BN

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

Llanidloes - Machynlleth

A 132 mile National Trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15th century Welsh warrior Prince Owain Glyndwr
Circular Walk 1 - Ffrydd Farm and Penshwa Lane

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Powys

This walk starts and ends in the centre of Newtown. It is a mixture of road and off -road walking with some sections muddy after heavy rain. It includes lovely views over Newtown and the surrounding hills. This walk is rated as moderate…
Offa's Dyke Path National Trail

Address

Wales, LD7 1EP

Telephone
01597 827580

odpnt@powys.gov.uk

Crossing the border between England and Wales more than ten times in its 293km (182m), the Offa's Dyke Path passes through some of the most attractive landscape.
Pen Cerrig-Calch Walk

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

Both this walk and the one following to Pen Allt-mawr are more demanding walks. Start the walk in the pay and display car park and follow the directions for getting up Table Mountain
Tal-y-Bont Walk

Address

Talybont, Ceredigion, Ceredigion, SY24 5HE

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Ceredigion

Start: Tal-y-bont village green
Grid Reference: SN 654 891
Distance: 3.1 km – 1.9 miles
Grade: Easy/moderate
Terrain: Tarmac road and grassy tracks. Can be muddy
Maps: OS Explorer – 213
Glyndwr's Way | Knighton - Llanidloes

Address

Trail Start - Knighton, Knighton - Felindre - Abbeycwmhir - Llanidloes, Powys, LD7 1EN

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

Knighton - Felindre - Abbeycwmhir - Llanidloes

The 135 m/217km National Trail is a long distance walk which can be enjoyed as a continuous journey, typically taking around nine days, or over a series of weekend or day trips.
Llandysul Town Historic Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Llandysul Town Historic Walk
Start/Finish: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: All walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 1.1km/1.8M
Time: 1 hour (excluding rest stops)