Rhydybenwch Picnic Site at Hafren Forest (NRW)

The car park stands on the site of a farmhouse which once bore the name Rhyd y Benwch (Upper Ford). Now the Rhyd-y-benwch picnic site acts as a gateway to a number of waymarked forest walks.

Hafren Forest was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s and named after Afon Hafren (the Welsh name for the River Severn). The Source of the Severn lies just outside the forest’s boundary but you can walk to it on our waymarked walk. There are also shorter walks through the woodland to the famous Severn Break its Neck waterfall and Blaenhafren Falls and a boardwalk takes you along the riverbank to the Cascade Falls.

Hafren Forest is the start (or end) point for two long distance, linear walks - The Wye Valley Walk and The Severn Way.
Natural Resources Wales have created a number of different trails along the Severn and through the towering pine and spruce trees. All four routes are circular and are focused around the picnic area and toilet facilities at Rhyd-y-benwch.

In addition, the numerous forestry tracks and roads are also excellent terrain for the cyclist. The picnic site is situated next to a wildflower meadow which is at its best in late July.

Trails can become slippery due to adverse weather conditions. Please take extra care when in the forest. Suitable footwear should be worn at all times.

The OS grid reference is SN 857 869.