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.
Tree felling at Hafod
At Hafod we work in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) who manage the working forest. NRW have begun urgent tree felling work to remove trees that have become infected with disease.
The work will commence from Monday 9 October 2023 and is expected to take at least six weeks.
A total of 6.5 hectares will be felled, which includes the mature Noble Fir trees that line the path leading from the Hafod car park next to the Church and leading down towards Peiran Falls.
Have a look at NRW’s page for further information about why the felling is happening.
There will be footpath diversions in place, the main footpath into Hafod from the car park will be closed and diverted along the Bedford Monument walk. Please follow local signage and temporary diversions when visiting.
If you have any enquiries, NRW can be contacted 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
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.
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.
