About Source of the Severn Trail
An exciting new route to the source has recently been opened. Follow the white waymarkers. When reaching the forest boundary the final section of the Source of the Severn trail is via a stone path which passes through some very boggy and wet moorland.
This is part of the Pumlumon SSSI. The Source itself is marked by a large wooden post and lies at 620m, 2034ft. The return leg of the route is now open. When re-entering the forest from the Source turn right on the forest road following the white waymarkers for approx 1 mile until you reach a waterfall. Follow the waymarked path downhill past a Bronze Age opencut copper mine and then past the ruins of Nant yr Eira lead mine. Keep following the route down to Afon Hore and all the way back to the first bridge you crossed.
It is also possible to reach Pen Pumlumon Arwystli (741m) by following the maps on site. The views from there are staggering and well worth the climb and extra 3.7km or 2.3 miles (1 1/2 additional hours).
How to get there:
Source of the Severn 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
Habitats: Heather, Cross leaved heath, Cotton grass and Cranberry, supplemented by a profusion of mosses, clubmosses and lichens can be seen.
| Rhydybenwch Picnic Site Facilities. |
    |
| Grade of trail: |
  |
Trail waymarking:
|
| Length of trail: 7 miles |
| Approximate time of trail: 4 1/2 hours |
| 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 |
