GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Hafod Estate Walks

3 miles (5 km)

This National Trust managed estate is located in the Ystwyth valley in Ceredigion.
The 18th century estate is a fine place for walkers with a network of waymarked footpaths taking you through attractive wooded gorges. Features include riverside trails, cascading waterfalls, restored gardens and photogenic bridges over rocky gorges. 
The area is also great for wildlife with notable birds including goshawks, buzzards, red kites and kingfishers to look our for. You may also see otters in the river or pine martens and roe deer in the woodland area.
This circular walk starts from the estate car park where there is a detailed information board and a map of the area. You'll then follow sections of the Lady's Walk and the Gentleman's Walk through the woodlands and along the Ystwyth River. On the way you will also visit the rushing Rhaeadr Peiran which is a splendid sight after rainfall.
To continue your walking in the area head a few miles north to visit Devil's Bridge Falls. Here you can climb the steep stone steps of Jacob's Ladder and enjoy some fine views of the gushing waterfalls.

Postcode

SY25 6DX - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Hafod Estate OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Hafod Estate Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Just to the north there's The Hafod hotel for some post walk refreshments. The 18th century hotel has a great menu and some stunning views of the surrounding area. You can find them at postcode SY23 3JL for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

There's miles of woodland trails that are absolutely ideal for dog walking. You will probably meet other owners on a fine day. The Hafod Hotel mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Photos

Information display, Hafod car park - geograph.org.uk - 3968624

Information display, Hafod car park

Rhaeadr Peiran in spate - geograph.org.uk - 1930234

Rhaeadr Peiran

Path heading away from Hafod car park - geograph.org.uk - 1051385

Path heading away from Hafod car park. This is the lower of two paths from the car park heading in this direction, and is the one usually used when aiming for the Rhaeadr Peiran (waterfall) and other notable features. Rather than proceed down to the main forestry road as shown on the O.S. 1:50000 map, this one actually turns sharp left at the end of this visible stretch and doubles back down towards the waterfall.

Pont Dologau - geograph.org.uk - 2169795

Pont Dologau

The Afon Ystwyth - geograph.org.uk - 653169

The Afon Ystwyth

Footbridge over the Nant Peiran - geograph.org.uk - 1051436

Footbridge over the Nant Peiran

Site of old bridge over the Nant Peiran - geograph.org.uk - 1051425

Site of old bridge over the Nant Peiran. This was the original bridge on a now defunct road on the Hafod estate. This part of the road has now been developed as a scenic route for walkers, and a new footbridge provided a short distance upstream.

The Arch, near Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion - geograph.org.uk - 1221622

The Arch, near Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion. This stone arch on the former Hafod estate was constructed by Thomas Johnes in 1810. Following recent damage by a road vehicle it was decided to divert the road to the south, and preserve this superb artefact more safely. The bank in the foreground leads down to the arch's new by-pass. Traffic is now prevented from going through the arch.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Hafod Estate.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')