Tucked away in the beautiful Marteg Valley, just a few miles north of Rhayader in Mid Wales, Gilfach Nature Reserve is a lovely place for a family walk. Once a traditional Welsh hill farm, the 400-acre reserve is now managed by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and is home to a wonderful mix of woodland, wildflower meadows, rivers, waterfalls and open hillsides.
We visited in October, which turned out to be a wonderful time to explore the reserve. The woods were full of autumn colours, and we were amazed by just how many different mushrooms and fungi we spotted along the trails! They seemed to be everywhere, growing on fallen logs, tree stumps and amongst the leaves. It made the walk especially fun for the kids, who had plenty to discover along the way.
There are several marked walking trails to choose from, taking you through different parts of the reserve and offering some fantastic views of the surrounding Cambrian Mountains. The River Marteg winds through the valley, and there’s plenty of wildlife to look out for along the way, including red kites, dippers, butterflies and, if you’re lucky, otters. Autumn is also a great time to visit if you want to see salmon making their way upstream to spawn.
It’s a great place to explore with kids, especially those who enjoy being outdoors and discovering things along the way. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so you can choose a shorter woodland walk or head further into the hills for something a little more adventurous.
A few things to know before visiting
Location: Just off the A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig, Powys (LD6 5LF).
Parking and admission: Free, although donations to Radnorshire Wildlife Trust are appreciated.
Walking trails: Five marked routes, ranging from a short 250-metre accessible path to longer walks of around 2 to 3.7 km. The Oak Wood Walk is a good option for younger children, taking approximately 30 minutes.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables and a small information area at the Old Farmyard, with refreshments available through an honesty box.
Accessibility: Some trails are steep, uneven or muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended. There’s a short accessible path from the Old Farmyard, but most of the longer walks aren’t suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Dogs: Welcome, but must be kept on leads. Cattle and sheep graze on the reserve, so take care around livestock, particularly when calves are present.
Gilfach is beautiful throughout the year, but we’d especially recommend a visit in autumn when the woodland is changing colour and fungi are popping up everywhere. It’s a fun opportunity for kids to see how many different types they can spot, although it’s best to admire and photograph wild mushrooms rather than touch or pick them.
Bring some sturdy shoes, pack a picnic and allow plenty of time to explore. It’s a lovely spot for a family adventure!
You can find more information and download a walking trail map from the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust website.
