About Cascades Trail
From the car park walk through the wooden archway consisting of a pair of axes, their heads embedded in a block of wood. One is modelled on a stone axe, to represent the ancient history of the area, and the other a modern axe, representing the forest of today.
The path leads down to the Afon Hafren, with a boardwalk carrying you along the river bank. The path leads to the Cascades Falls, which gives its name to this walk. A raised platform allows you to sit and take in the view. A deep pool forms part of the Falls which was used by generations of shepherds for washing their sheep.
On the far bank the remnants of their pens are still just visible. From here the Cascades trail moves away from the riverbank back through the woodland to the car park. The walk was designed in partnership with local Disabled Associations. It is easy to follow, its surface making it ideal for all ages and abilities.
How to get there:
Cascades Trail can be started from Rhydybenwch Picnic Site in Hafren Forest which is part of Hafren. Llanidloes is the nearest town or village.
From Llanidloes town centre face the Market Hall from Great Oak Street and take Short Bridge Street directly opposite. Follow the narrow road to Old Hall. The Rhydybenwch picnic site is 6 miles west of Llanidloes. It can also be reached from the northern end of Llyn Clywedog on minor roads.
OS Grid Reference: SN 857 869
For details of public transport visit http://www.traveline-cymru.info/
Wildlife
Birds: You might glimpse Buzzards cricling overhead or a Goshawk cruising the forest edge. Jays may give a flash of blue as they dart amongst the trees and Dippers are frequent visitors to the river. Flocks of Crossbills are sometimes seen feeding on the cones of the trees.
Habitats: The clear water gives life to a wide range of mosses, lichens and ferns all protected by the boardwalk. Small rivulets frequently cross your path maintaining the damp atmosphere and associated flora. During the autumn look out for different types of woodland fungi.
| Rhydybenwch Picnic Site Facilities. |
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| Grade of trail: |
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Trail waymarking:
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| Length of trail: 1/2 miles |
| Approximate time of trail: 1/2 hour |
| Open or closed: open |
| Click here to find out what else you can do in this forest. |
Contact: |
| Jim Ralph Local Area Manager 0300 068 0300 e-mail: jim.ralph@forestry.gsi.gov.uk |
