The Arch, near Aberystwyth
Walks through huge beech trees with views over...
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.
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.
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.
The walking trails are waymarked from the main Hafod car park.
Please read the trail descriptions to make sure you pick a walk that is suitable for you.
Please note:
The walks guide contains a map and description of all the walks.
Download a PDF of the walks guide from the bottom of this page.
This is not one of Johnes’ historical circuits, but it goes to a moment erected in 1805 to commemorate the fifth Duke of Bedford.
Take in the views over Hafod and beyond from the obelisk viewpoint.
The Coed Hafod Walk passes through different types of woodland that are home to a great variety of wildlife.
In spring the woodlands are colourful with bluebells and yellow azaleas.
There are views to the river, the mansion fields and pond, and distant hills.
Experience the dramatic River Ystwyth gorge from the Chain Bridge, especially after heavy rain.
This spectacular route takes you on a long, narrow loop up one side of the Ystwyth gorge and down the other.
Follow this historical route past a waterfall and key features of Thomas Johnes’s estate.
It takes in scenery that varies widely in character, contrasting the undulating landscape of grazed parkland with narrow wooded valleys and rushing streams.
Along the route, there is a choice between the Garden Walk – a narrow but fairly level woodland path that passes through the Flower Garden – or the meadow path that continues along the riverside.
Marvel at Picturesque features like the Rustic Bridge, Tunnel and Mossy Seat Falls on this historic trail.
The Gentleman’s Walk is the second Picturesque circuit created by Johnes and passes through wilder scenery and steeper ground than the other walks at Hafod.
There is disabled only parking at Mrs Johnes Flower Garden.
From here, you can access a gentle walk around the garden with views over the river Ystwyth and a riverside picnic site.
There is an accessible portable toilet in the main car park (next to the church).
The Hafod Estate is 15 miles south east of Aberystwyth.
It is in the county of Ceredigion.
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.
The Hafod Estate is on OS Explorer map 213.
The OS grid reference is SN 768 736.
The nearest mainline railway station is Aberystwyth.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
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.