Want to get a bit of exercise after overindulging this Christmas?
We’ve got you covered and have compiled a list of boxing day walks for spots across the county.
Newtown
The area is not spoilt for choices but we’ve chosen Fachwen Pool, the recommended route is about 6.1 miles and takes about 3 hours
This walk starts and ends in the centre of Newtown. The route follows the long distance Severn Way to the lake and returns via Penshwa Lane and Ffrydd Farm.
You will get to enjoy lovely views over Newtown, the surrounding hills and of the hills to the north. There is a mixture of road and off-road walking with some sections muddy after heavy rain.
https://newtown.org.uk/discover-newtown/walking-newtown/fachwen-pool-2
Kerry Ridgeway
This is a spectacular one for those a little further south.
A linear walk that starts from the Cider House Farm car park and then head east along a ridgeway that carries on all the way across the border on to Bishop’s Castle and offers a spectacular viewpoint on the way.
The ridgeway is great for a dog walk with fine woodland trails in Ceri Forest on the way
At the end of the trail you can stop at the dog friendly The Three Tuns Inn – an historic pub of some note that dates all the way back to 1642.
http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkscycle/kerry-ridgeway-walking-and-cycle-route#
Llanidloes
Van Hill or Bryn y Fan is an hour long walk that takes in the beautiful views as you can look out of over the surrounding hills and Llyn Clywedog.
The initial climb is very steep and sustained but you can catch your breath at the top as you enjoy the views before you make the descent back to the start.
The top of Bryn y Fan also has a trig point at the top used to be used by the Ordnance Survey in order to determine the exact shape of the country.
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/wales/powys/bryn-y-fan
Hafren Forest
We had to give this a section all of it’s own. Planted in the 1930s, Hafren Forest is named after Afon Hafren (the River Severn). With the source of the River Severn is only a few miles away in a peat bog on the slopes of Pumlumon, Mid Wales’ highest mountain.
There are good options for all abilities from a 1km stroll along the wheelchair/pram friendly walkway to the cascades or a bit further to the Severn-Break-its-Neck trail, or if you're feeling really adventurous there's the source of the River Severn trail (8 miles)
https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/mid-wales/hafren-forest/?lang=en
Welshpool
We had to pick Rodney's Pillar – Criggion is a classic.
The extinct volcano offers fantastic views of mid Wales and Shropshire borders.
This trail takes in the famous Admiral Rodney's Pillar which was built in the late 18th century. It commemorates the victories of Sir George Brydges Rodney during the American War of Independence, although the pillar itself is currently fenced off as it is currently being restored.
It is a challenging uphill route that takes over 2 hours to complete.
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/wales/powys/rodneys-pillar
Montgomery Canal
A more gentle but just as picturesque route.
The canal walks stretch from Llanymynech all the way to down to Newtown however we would recommend the Welshpool stretch which is one of the most picturesque sections.
The Montgomery canal is great for those who love wildlife and is good choice for those with prams due to the easy accessibility and relatively flat going.
Llanfyllin
It had to be Lake Vyrnwy.
The Rhiwargor Falls at the Bala end of the lake we think is up there with the best walks around Powys and the views from the lake are stunning
There's also a host of local attraction sincluding the sculpture park and the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel where you can buy hot chocolates and tasty cakes after burning off the calories.
https://www.lake-vyrnwy.com/images/user/Severn%20Trent%20walks%20leaflet%20approved.pdf
Berwyn Mountains
This is for the really adventurous. It is advised that this one involves “remote mountains with faint paths in places will need navigational skills” and that you will need to “read up on mountain safety, navigation and what equipment you’ll need.”
But the rewards are incredible with spectacular views at the top of Snowdonia. You start and end at the Llanrhaeadr Waterfall so you get to have a big walk and see the highest waterfall in Wales and England.
https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/cadair-berwyn-and-pistyll-rhaeadr/
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