Visiting the Hafod Estate
Hafod is one the finest examples of a ‘picturesque style’ landscape from the 18th century. Hidden in the wild and tranquil landscape of mid-Wales, the estate was once the thriving home of the benevolent Johnes family– often described as a ‘paradise’ for those who lived there. Although the original mansion does not exist today, buildings and structures from the original estate still survive, revealing hidden stories and tales from a time gone by.
Ongoing forestry works
From Monday 11 March until Sunday 28 April (around seven weeks) there will be felling works taking place at Hafod. Due to the work, the footpaths in Coed Hafod will closed for the duration. It also affects the access to our accessible parking area near Mrs Johnes’ Garden. Alternative access is available to this area, please don’t hesitate to contact us on hafod@nationaltrust.org.uk or 01974 282568 if you’d like detail of how to access this area.
Walking at Hafod
Explore the grounds of the 200-hectare estate, which features five waymarked trails, varying in length and terrain. Walks were created to celebrate the ever-changing sequence of views, including cascading waterfalls, mossy glades, restored gardens and bridges over rocky gorges.
Walks are here for everyone to enjoy and open all year round. Today’s walks take you on the same historic circular routes created by Thomas Johnes in his first years at Hafod - the strenuous Gentleman’s Walk and the gentler Lady’s Walk. Taking you past picturesque features such as the Rustic Bridge and Mossy Seat Falls. You can also visit the church, Eglwys Newydd, built by Johnes in 1803 and the only substantial structure surviving from that time. Today it is home to an exhibition showcasing the history of the estate.
What can I see at Hafod today?
Enjoy the peaceful spot of Mrs Johnes’ Flower Garden, including the restored stone archway and planted species which are in keeping with those that would have originally been planted here.
As well as the original garden, discover restored features across the estate such as chain bridge, gothic arcade, tunnel and Silenus fountain.
The estate continues to be a popular destination for visitor touring Wales in search of wild nature, attracting creatives, writers and artists who were inspired to capture the magic of the landscape within their works.
Recent tree felling at Hafod
When visiting Hafod you might notice that some areas look different to the last time you were here, or, if visiting for the first time, you’ll notice that there’s been a lot of tree felling on site.
Hafod is part of a working forest; we work in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) who manage the working forest.
Over the last year NRW have had fell a number of trees at Hafod. Most recently, an area of Noble Fir trees near the main path into Hafod from the car park. These trees, and others within the estate, were affected by tree diseases and needed to be felled for safety reasons.
In those areas that have been clear felled, you’ll notice natural regeneration and these areas will be managed as a natural woodland area and will also be re-planted with native trees.
If you’ve any enquiries with regards to the tree felling, you can contact NRW on 0300 065 3000 or enquiries@naturalresources.wales
If you’d like to talk to the local team at Hafod, they can be contacted on 01974 282568 or hafod@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nature and Wildlife at Hafod
Keep an eye out for otters by the river – if you’re quiet enough you may also spot a kingfisher by the water or wagtails and dippers dancing along the river.
Look above to spot birds of prey circling in the sky above the trees, such as goshawks which can be identified by their broad wings and lighter colour. Buzzards (with a curved tail) or red kites (with a forked tail) can be heard calling across the valley as they swoop across the forestry. Elusive pine martens can also be spotted roaming around the woodlands, searching for food, preparing for ready for new litters in the spring, alongside roe deer and hares.
Hafod is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), rich in biodiversity. The meadows are host to a wide range of waxcap fungi, and the steep sided valley creates the perfect environment for lichens, ferns, mosses and fungi.
