Forest bathing at Hafod Estate

Hafod, in the upper Ystwyth valley east of Aberystwyth, is one of the finest picturesque landscapes of the 18th century. It was the home of the Johnes family; the mansion has gone, and the church Thomas Johnes built in 1803 is the only large building left from that time. The National Trust runs the estate, and Natural Resources Wales manages the working forest with it. Paths lead through mixed woodland to waterfalls, mossy glades and bridges over rocky gorges.

All five waymarked walks are signed from the church car park. The Lady's Walk, about three and a half kilometres, mixes parkland with narrow wooded valleys beside the Ystwyth. The short Ystwyth Gorge Walk crosses the river on a narrow suspension bridge, with steep drops beside the path. The Coed Hafod Walk is especially colourful in spring. The wilder Gentleman's Walk is steeper; parts of it, and some of the waterfalls, are closed at present, so check before you go.