Most of the Hafod Estate is managed by the Forestry Commission but it was once a private family estate - made famous by Thomas Johnes who set out to create a miniature paradise in the Ystwyth Valley in the late eighteenth century.

He built a mansion in the grounds and created a unique landscape of gardens, paths and walks. Over the years, the estate fell into disrepair and the mansion had to be demolished in the 1950s. However, the landscape designed by Johnes is now being restored by the Forestry Commission and the Hafod Trust.

As part of this restoration project, there are now three delightful walks to choose from - the Bedford Monument Walk, The Alpine Bridge Walk and the Gentleman's Walk. They all start from the Forestry Commission's Hafod car park - which can be difficult to find if you don't know the area.

If you're coming through Devil's Bridge, you need to take the B4574 turning just past the Hafod Arms Hotel to Cwmystwyth. Go past The Arch car park and carry on downhill. Turn right shortly after passing the Cwmystwyth sign. Go through ADAS Pwllpeiran and proceed to a T junction and turn right. Pass Hafod Church and turn left into Hafod Car Park.

If you're coming through Pontrhydygroes, proceed north on the B4343 and turn right onto the B4574 towards Cwmystwyth when you see the Forestry Commission Hafod sign. Proceed along this road for one mile. The Hafod car park is on the right hand side.

Each of the three walks is clearly waymarked and there's an information board in the car park - giving details about the trails as well as information about local wildlife and places of interest.

Bedford Monument Walk (Moderate - 1.6km)
A short and relatively gentle walk, with two short steeper sections. There are good views over the estate, especially from the obelisk. Mariamne's Garden (not yet restored) can be visited from this route.

Lady's Walk (Moderate - 3.6km)
One of two classic circular routes created by Thomas Johnes in his first years at Hafod and described by many early visitors. It takes in scenery that varies widely in character, contrasting the relatively gentle landscape of open parkland with narrow wooded valleys and rushing streams.

Gentleman's Walk (strenuous - 6km )
The start of the walk is 1.6 km from the car park. The second celebrated Picturesque circuit created by Johnes. Starting at the Alpine Bridge, it passes through wilder scenery and steeper ground than the other walks at Hafod. It connects with several public footpaths, and has a branch leading to the Cavern Cascade.

Ystwyth Gorge Walk (Moderate - 1.5 km loop)
Connecting with Lady's and Gentleman's Walks. A spectacular route with views of the Ystwyth in its rocky gorge. The river is crossed by means of the Chain Bridge - a narrow suspension bridge restored on its historical site. Gradients are relatively gentle, but it is not a route suitable for those who dislike steep drops beside the path.

Coed Hafod Walk (Moderate; 1.2 km one way)
4km circular distance from car park using other estate paths or drives for the return route. This walk through different woodland types with varied wildlife is particularly colourful in spring. It affords fine views over the parkland and to distant hills.

You can find out more about these walks and the Hafod Estate by visiting the Forestry Commission and the Hafod Trust websites.