11k Run Llanidloes: Explore the Hilly Trails of Hafren Forest

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tucked away near Llanidloes, this 11.0km loop through Hafren Forest is a true gem for trail runners seeking a mix of challenging elevation and varied terrain. With 243m of ascent, expect a steady climb into the Cambrian Mountains on a combination of wide forest tracks, technical narrow paths, and well-maintained boardwalks. The "hilly" rating of 3 is well-earned, but the effort pays off as you descend past the cascading Blaen Hafren Falls, where the sound of rushing water provides a refreshing soundtrack for the final stretch back to the car park. It’s an ideal route for those looking to build strength on unpaved surfaces while soaking in the rugged beauty of mid-Wales.

Hafren Forest is steeped in natural history, famously serving as the source of both the River Severn and the River Wye. As you run through these ancient landscapes, you’re traversing an area once central to the local lead mining industry, though today it is a peaceful sanctuary for pine martens and ospreys. The forest was planted in the 1930s and has since become a cornerstone of the Powys running community. After finishing your loop, many local runners head into the historic market town of Llanidloes—the first town on the Severn—to refuel at one of the traditional Welsh pubs or independent cafes that line its timber-framed streets.