Rhyd-y-benwch to the source of River Severn

Start: Rhyd-y-benwch car park. Grid ref. SN 856 869

(S) From Rhyd-y-benwch, head beneath a wooden arch and turn down a surfaced path that leads swiftly to the Severn, at this point a well defined stream with occasional flashes of white to hallmark the force of the river both above and below this point.

(1) On reaching the river, continue along a raised boardwalk. A waterfall of no great stature towards the end of the boardwalk was used by generations of shepherds for washing sheep. Here, rise onto a pleasant forest path that soon reaches a flume station used to measure the river discharge of the Severn.

(2) Beyond, an ongoing path runs parallel to the river, and at a waymark, shortly after a picnic shelter and at the confluence of the Severn and the Afon Hore, turns right into the mature forest and soon reaches a footbridge.

After the footbridge, the path continues pleasantly along the true right bank of the river, before crossing it again near another flume station.

(3) Just after which bear right, following a route waymarked by blue-and-white banded poles. The path climbs steadily, eventually intercepting a broad forest trail.

(4) Bear right briefly, passing the Blaen Hafren Falls, and then swing left once more climbing into forest. Approaching the top of the forest, clear-felling is evident, but this serves only to open up the vistas of distant hills in the heart of Powys. Here, a seat for one to the right of the path offers a brief respite and a fabulous retrospective view Eastwards. The path continues to climb steadily and, near the top edge of the forest, joins another broad trail.

(5) Turn right on this, once more briefly, and then leave it for a constructed path that leads up to the source of the Severn. The Way passes through a beautiful landscape of peaty mounds and heather banks that in September especially are a joy.

Climbing very gradually, the path becomes paved and leads directly to a large post placed in marshy ground at the official source of the River Severn, although it is clear that there is flowing water a little higher still. (Grid ref. SN 821 899).

(6) From the source, there is no need now to do anything other than to turn about and start the descent back to Rhyd-y-benwch car park. You can also take the alternative below. (E)

Alternative: On a clear day, there is much merit in following the flagged path a little further, to the Ceredigion and Powys county boundary, and crossing a stile in a fence to walk up to a boundary stone and cairn with an outstanding view of the distant Tarren Hills above Machynlleth, the Cadair Idris massif and the Arans – Fawddwy and Benllyn. This modest extension is well worth the effort and the nearby lake something of a pleasant surprise. Nearby, a fence runs up onto Pumlumon Arwystli, beyond which rises the peak of Plynlimon Fawr, at 752m (2467ft) the highest point of the landscape hereabouts.

Start: Rhyd-y-benwch car park. Grid ref. SN 856 869

Parking : Use the car park at Rhyd-y-benwch. (Free)

Facilities : Toilets

More information and walks at Worcestershire here.

Heathered pathway near the top of Hafren Forest

The 2842ha (7022 acres) of Hafren Forest are located in the South-West corner of the historic county of Montgomeryshire (now part of Powys), among the rolling hills of the mid-Wales Cambrian Mountain range. The ancient county is named after Roger de Montgomerie, the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury and one of William the conqueror's main counsellors. The topography of the forest covers gently rounded hill tops and steep valley sides, dissected by many kilometres of streams and rivers. Surrounding the forest are thousands of acres of grassland, traditionally used for grazing sheep. A large proportion of the forest borders the Plynlimon Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Development of the forest aims to provide an attractive place for people to enjoy, including walkers, cyclists and motorsport enthusiasts, and it is especially encouraging to see that the forest’s rich wildlife, historical features and water quality are being managed sensitively, consistent with the need to supply a range of sustainable timber products. The ancient Celts saw this region as magical, and this certainly holds true in ecological terms, with waterside forests being rich and valuable habitats – a home to organisms of woodland and water. Riparian woodlands, as they are known, are those on the banks of natural bodies of water and particularly rivers.

Rivers are the lifeblood of the forest ecosystems, and their health is crucial to the health of the forest as a whole. The physical presence of trees on the river’s edge, such as the deep-rooted alder (Alnus glutinosa), helps to prevent the banks from eroding away. Riparian zones are important sources and storage sites for nutrients and energy, since trees naturally alter the chemical balance of the water by taking up minerals from the soil and releasing them into the water, so improving the biological health of the river. The riparian corridors enhance connectivity, creating links within and between forest patches, and in doing so provide routes along which animals can disperse, as well as certain plant seeds, which may be carried by mammals, birds, or even water.

Hafren is also an important location for research into climate change, and water and air quality. The Centre of Ecology and Hydrology has carried out work in this area for over 40 years. At a commercial level Hafren produces 26,300 tonnes of timber annually. This is approved felling and independently assessed by FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) as sustainably produced certificated timber.

More info at Cicerone here.