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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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Dolgellau Town Trail

Address

Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1PS

Dolgellau

Discover Dolgellau with its rich history and captivating architecture on the Dolgellau Town Trail. Begin and end your journey at Eldon Square in the heart of the town and meander through its irregular streets and admire the solid buildings.
Montgomery Trails | Irresistible Offa Walking Route

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

This scenic circular walk takes you through the farming fields of Montgomery east, from the remnants of ridge and furrow farming from the middle ages to Boardyhall Wood past Lymore Lodge and current farm buildings.
Rhayader | Walking & Hiking

Address

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU

Telephone
01597 810561

enquiries@rhayader.co.uk

Rhayader

Get off the beaten path and explore everything that Rhayader and the Elan Valley has to offer, from gentle relaxing walks to something to challenging the most experienced climbers.
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
The Epynt Way

Address

Sennybridge, Brecon, LD3 9RG

enquiries.epynt@gmail.com

Brecon

THE EPYNT WAY is a 65 km long distance path around the circumference of the Sennybridge Training Area. It is open to walkers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The trail is well marked with frequent, yellow-topped marker posts which have green and…
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Machynlleth to Dyfi Wildlife Centre

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

This walk starts at the car park at Y Plas, Machynlleth and is graded as moderate. The terrain includes road, woodland paths, firm tracks and fields and is a distance of 5 miles.
Rhaeadr Ddu & Coed Ganllwyd | Walking Trails

Address

Coed Ganllwyd Nature Reserve, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TG

Telephone
01341 440238

eyri@nationaltrust.org

Dolgellau

A network of paths on the Coed Ganllwyd reserve mean you can choose from circular walks of 100 metres up to more demanding routes that stretch over two kilometres.
Brecon | Poetry Trail

Address

Aberhonddu | Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AD

Telephone
01874 622485

Aberhonddu | Brecon

Brecon's poetry trail invites everyone to explore the streets, rivers and landmarks of the ancient Welsh town of Brecon and its connection to the myths and legends of the magical, mystical land of Wales.
Aberdyfi | | Panorama Walk

Address

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED

Telephone
01654 767321

TIC.Aberdyfi@snowdonia.gov.wales

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey

This gentle four mile walk soon gets you up above Aberdyfi, enjoying fine views over the mouth of the Dyfi estuary and south towards Borth and Aberystwyth.
Starting place: Tourist Information Centre
Starting ref: SN 614959
Circular Walk 8 - Llanllwchaiarn Lollipop Walk

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

walkingnewtown@hotmail.com

Powys

The Llanllwchaiarn Lollipop Walk starts and finishes at the Town Clock at the intersection of Broad, High and Severn
Streets. The walk is 4.3 miles and should take around 2 hours
Teifi Loop Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Teifi Loop Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 5.63km/3.5M
Time: 2.5 hours (excluding rest stops)
The Beacons Way Walk

Address

National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8EL

Telephone
01874 623366

visitor.centre@breconbeacons.org

Brecon

The Beacons Way walk offers some of the best views the National Park has to offer. If you want to complete the whole 163 km (101 mile) walk it takes eight days, or you can do it one day at a time at your convenience.
Lôn Mawddach | Mawddach Trail

Address

Mawddach Estuary, Southern Snowdonia, LL40 2TA

Southern Snowdonia

The walk along the estuary from Barmouth to Dolgellau is 9.6 miles (15km). This easy leisure walk is suitable for all the family and involves no climbing. A section of the trail has been adapted for people with disabilities.
Warren Wood | Waterfall & Walks (NRW)

Address

Warren Wood, Near New Radnor, Powys

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.co.uk

Powys

Walk along a gorge to the Water-Break-its-Neck waterfall, a popular destination for Victorian tourists. Explore the woodland and see some of the largest trees in Radnorshire.
Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2)

Address

Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2), Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron, SY25 6BJ

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron

The Ystwyth Trail is a 20-mile(32.1km) cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth & Tregaron which follows part of the track of the old Great Western railway line
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Centre for Alternative Technology Walk

Address

Centre For Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

Start: Centre for Alternative Technology
(C.A.T) car park
Grid Reference: SH 754 044
Distance: 7.1 km – 4.4 miles
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Terrain: Firm tracks, roads and open grassland
Maps: OS Explorer OL23 or 215
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.
Ceredigion Coast Path | Cardigan - Aberporth

Address

Cardigan - Aberporth, Cardigan - Aberporth, Ceredigion, SA43 1JL

CardiganTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Cardigan - Aberporth

1st section of the Ceredigion Coastal Path
Total distance 18.7km (11.7 miles)
Cardigan to Gwbert 5.6km (3.5 miles), grade/easy
Gwbert to Mwnt 5.8km (3.6 miles), grade/easy
Mwnt to Aberporth 8km (5 miles), grade/moderate
North Clettwr Valley Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - North Clettwr Valley Walk
Start: SN452425 - Car Park, Capel Dewi church hall
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 3.2km/2M
Time: 1 hour (excluding rest stops)
Walking Newtown | Brimmon Wood & Kerry

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Newtown

The Brimmon Wood & Kerry walk starts and ends in the centre of Newtown. It is mainly off-road walking with a few short sections on quiet lanes.
Mary Jones | Heritage Trail

Address

Llanfihangel Y Pennant, Near Abergynolwyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TS

Near Abergynolwyn

The Mary Jones Walk retraces the route the 15-year-old Mary Jones walked 25 miles from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, across the Welsh mountains, to Bala to get a Bible from Revd. Thomas Charles.