The Arch, near Aberystwyth
Walks through huge beech trees with views over...
Hafod Estate, near Aberystwyth
What's here
Natural Resources Wales and the National Trust have signed a lease agreement transferring the management of Hafod to the National Trust.
The National Trust now cares for 200 hectares at Hafod, including its extensive grounds, restored historic gardens and walking trails.
This web page gives an overview about visiting the Hafod and it will remain live for a limited time.
For the latest information about the Hafod go to the National Trust website
Welcome
The Hafod Estate was designed in the late eighteenth century by Thomas Johnes and it soon became an essential destination for visitors touring Wales in search of “wild nature”.
The walking trails explore this historic landscape which varies widely in character from grazed parkland and different types of woodland to the River Ystwyth gorge with its bridges and waterfalls.
Johnes built a new house in this remote location and laid out its grounds in the Picturesque style which was fashionable at the time.
He designed the walks so that visitors could enjoy the landscape as an ever-changing sequence of views.
Today the mansion has gone and Hafod lies within a working forest.
Visiting the Hafod Estate
The National Trust now cares for 200 hectares at Hafod, including its extensive grounds, restored historic gardens and walking trails.
There are five walking trails of varying length and difficulty waymarked from the main car park.
They include the two classic circular routes created by Thomas Johnes in his first years at Hafod - the strenuous Gentleman’s Walk and the gentler Lady’s Walk.
These two historic trails take you past Picturesque features like the Cavern Cascade, Rustic Bridge, Tunnel 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 about the history of the estate.
There are picnic areas in the main car park and by the river on the Lady’s Walk and portable toilets in the main car park.
For the latest information about visiting the Hafod Estate go to the National Trust website.
How to get here
Location
The Hafod Estate is 15 miles south east of Aberystwyth.
It is in the county of Ceredigion.
Directions
Take the A4120 from Aberystwyth towards Devil's Bridge.
Follow the brown and white signs from Devil’s Bridge via the B4574 to the car park.
Ordnance Survey (OS) map
The Hafod Estate is on OS Explorer map 213.
The OS grid reference is SN 768 736.
Public transport
The nearest mainline railway station is Aberystwyth.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Contact details
Natural Resources Wales and the National Trust have signed a lease agreement transferring the management of Hafod to the National Trust.
The National Trust now cares for 200 hectares at Hafod, including its extensive grounds, restored historic gardens and walking trails.
For the latest information about the Hafod go to the National Trust website.
Other places in Mid Wales
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