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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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Dyfi Discovery Walk | Llyn Barfog Walk

Address

Cwm Maethlon | Happy Valley, Aberdyfi, GWYNEDD

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Aberdyfi

Start: Snowdonia National Park Authority car park, Cwm Maethlon/Happy Valley
Grid Reference: SN 640 986
Distance: 5 km - 3.1 miles (shortcut 4 km – 2.5 miles)
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Open moorland, firm tracks, fields and tarmac road.
Coed y Foel Woodland and Countryside Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails -Coed y Foel Woodland & Countryside Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 9km/5.6M
Time: 3 hours (excluding rest stops)
Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Running Trails (NRW)

Address

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Telephone
01970 890453

bnya@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

Bwlch Nant yr Arian is famous for feeding red kites daily. Range of waymarked walking, mountain biking, running and horse-riding trails and a mountain bike skills park. Café, shop and play area.
Mid Wales Rail Trails | Barmouth to Porthmadog.

Address

Barmouth Railway Station, Station Approach, Barmouth - Porthmadog, LL42 1LS

Barmouth - Porthmadog

Mid Wales Rail Trails | Points of interest travelling on the Cambrian Line from Barmouth to Porthmadog.
Corris Village Walk

Address

Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9SS

Corris

Start: Corris Craft Centre car park
Grid Reference: SH 750 078
Distance: 5 km . 3.1 miles
Shorter option: 2.3 km . 1.4 miles
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Terrain: Tarmac road and firm tracks
Maps: OS Explorer - OL 23
NCN Lon Cambria

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8TG

Telephone
01654 702653

info@showmewales.co.uk

Lon Cambria is a 113-mile cycle route in the National Cycle Network which runs from Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales, through the Cambrian Mountains and the Mid Wales Marches to Shrewsbury.
Walking Newtown

Address

Various Walking Trails, Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Y Drenewydd | Newtown

Walking Newtown have developed a series of walks in and around the Newtown area. The walks are all graded and vary from easy to strenuous, town trails, short strolls and accessible trails.
The Table Mountain Walk

Address

Crug Hywel | Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1AA

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

The Table Mountain is clearly visible from most places in Crickhowell. It is just to the north of the village on the eastern shoulder of the much larger Pen Cerrig-calch which dominates the northern views. Grid Ref: SO218185
Sugar Loaf (from Llangenny) Walk

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

There are many ways up and down the Sugar Loaf. This walk starts on the west of this striking and distinctly shaped hill in the small village of Llangenny (240180), just to the east of the bridge over the Grwyne Fawr.
The Cambrian Way | Central Section

Address

Llanymddfri | Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0AW

Carmarthenshire

The Cambrian Way is a challenging long distance walk through the most unspoilt countryside in Wales. Walkers will be amazed at the remoteness of the central section route through Mid Wales from the Brecon Beacons to Southern Snowdonia.
Montgomery | Town Heritage Trail

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

2.17miles (3.5km) takes about 1.5hours and is a moderate walk with a moderate grade - Download the PDF
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Derwenlas Walk

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Lay-by Derwenlas
Grid Reference: SN721 991
Distance: 6.2 km - 3.8 miles
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Firm tracks, open fields, some boggy areas
Maps: OS Explorer OL23
Cwm Hengae Walk

Address

Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9SS

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Powys

Start: NRW forest car park. Turn R just before Aberllefenni village sign
Grid Reference: SH 769 092
Distance: 7.4 km – 4.6 miles
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Tarmac road and grassy tracks.
Maps: OS Explorer – OL 23
Ystwyth Trail | Ystradmeurig - Tregaron

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 32.1km/20M cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth and Tregaron. Part of the trail follows the track of the old Great Western railway line.
Start: Aberystwyth SN584812
Finish: Tregaron SN679597
Ceredigion Coast Path | Aberporth-Llangrannog

Address

Aberporth - Llangrannog, Aberporth, Ceredigion, SA43 2BU

Telephone
01545 572105

countryside@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberporth

2nd 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
Black Mountains | Pen Tir Walk

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Cwmdu, Crickhowell, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Crickhowell

This walk starts on the west of this striking and distinctly shaped hill in the small village of Llangenny (240180), just to the east of the bridge over the Grwyne Fawr.
Y Bwa | The Arch (NRW)

Address

Nr Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Nr Devil's Bridge

The old masonry arch spanning the road was built by Thomas Johnes of Hafod in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III. Three circular walking trails are waymarked and start from the Hafod Arch car park and The Arch is designated as a Dark…
Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Mountain Biking (NRW)

Address

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

Mid Wales is a serious stop off and venue for people wishing to improve their dirt jump and pump track skills and the Mountain Bike Skills Park at Bwlch Nant yr Arian equips people to more safely enjoy their cycling out on the existing mountain bike…
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cwm Ralltgoed Walk

Address

Aberllefenni, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: NRW forest car park.
Turn R just before Aberllefenni village sign.
Grid Reference: SH 769 092
Distance: 8.4 km - 5.2 miles
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Maps: OS Explorer . OL23
Borth Walk

Address

Y Borth | Borth, Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JU

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Borth

Start: Borth High Street
Grid Reference: SN 608 901
Distance: Walk A: 4.4 km – 2.7 miles
Walk B: 10.7 km – 6.6 miles
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Roads, firm tracks, sand and shingle
Maps: OS Explorer – OL 23 & 213
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.