Nash Wood, near Presteigne

Welcome

Just outside the historic town of Presteigne, Nash Wood lies half in Wales and half in England, making it true ‘border country’.

The circular walking trail goes to a viewpoint overlooking Burfa Bank, one of the many hillforts along this part of the border.

The woodland habitat is ideal to see buzzards and goshawk or you may see siskins and crossbills which thrive on the large cones produced by the noble and Douglas fir trees.

You may also see one of the many roe deer that live here and, if you visit in autumn, keep an eye out for colourful fungi.

Walking trail

The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Nash Trail

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 2.1 miles/3.5 kilometres
• Time: 1½ hours
• Trail information: The trail climbs very steeply from the car park on a path with tree roots underfoot. This section is muddy and slippery after wet weather. The trail then follows a forest road through the trees and there is an optional shortcut back to the car park on a steep path downhill. The main trail continues on narrow paths through the woodland with some climbs. There is a bench at the viewpoint.

After a steep climb through the woodland, the trail reaches a forest road and then continues to climb to the Burfa Vista viewpoint.

The viewpoint overlooks the Iron Age hillfort of Burfa Bank, and there are views over the Radnor valley and to Herefordshire.

Radnor Forest

Nash Wood is in the area known as Radnor Forest.

Radnor Forest was once a royal hunting ground. In those days it wasn’t an area covered in trees but an unenclosed piece of land, legally set aside for the Norman kings to hunt deer.

Today Radnor Forest is a land of hill farming and great moorlands, steep narrow valleys and hills, rising up to the highest point in Radnorshire, Black Mixen at 2150 feet (650 metres).

There are walking trails at two other woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales within Radnor Forest.

Go to Fishpools and Warren Wood for more information.

National Forest for Wales

Nash Wood forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

• create areas of new woodland
• enhance existing woodlands
• restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands

It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.

For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.

Closures and diversions

• Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations
• Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff
• Please always follow any instructions on site and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place

How to get here

Location

Nash Wood is 1 mile south of Presteigne.

It is in the county of Powys.

Ordnance Survey map

Nash Wood is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map Explorer 201.

The OS grid reference is SO 314 635.

Directions

In Presteigne, turn off the B4356 opposite the leisure centre and follow the narrow minor road.

Bear right at the Natural Resources Wales parking sign and follow the track to the car park.

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Knighton.

For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.

Parking

Parking is free of charge.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact details

There are no staff at this location.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.