Route: Pumlumon to Bristol
Distance: 337km (210miles)
Notes: A long-distance waymarked footpath, the Severn Way is easily accessible by bus and rail, making it possible to walk different sections over a series of visits. |
Walk Description
The Severn Way is billed as the longest riverside walk in Britain. As the name suggests, the trail follows the route of the Severn River from its source high up in the mountains of Pumlumon in Mid Wales to Avon in England where the river flows into the Bristol Channel.
The distance from source to sea is a total of 210 miles (337km), of which 60 miles lies within Powys. If you don't want to tackle the entire journey, you can sample the Severn Way in sections. Click on the links below for two shorter walks or read on to find out more about the walk as a whole.
The Source to Llanidloes Newtown to Berriew
If you plan on following the route from source to sea, the Severn Way Partnership publishes an official walkers guide which gives detailed information and maps about the route (price £6.95).
The starting point of the walk is to be found right in the heart of Mid Wales, in a peaty bog high up on Pumlumon where the River Severn begins its journey to the sea. The official source, a small reedy pool, is marked by two large posts.
The nearest point to the source which is accessible by road is the picnic area and car park at Rhyd y Benwch in the Hafren Forest. You can take a taxi to the spot from the nearby town of Llanidloes or catch the local Royal Mail post bus.
The Severn changes quickly from an inauspicious stream to a fast flowing river, enlivened by falls and cascades as it plunges through the Hafren Forest. Here you'll pass the spectacular Severn-Break-its-Neck Falls.
As well as crossing the Cambrian Mountains, the trail takes you over open countryside and past the towns of Llanidloes, Newtown and Welshpool in Powys.
Keep an eye out along the way for dippers, kingfisher and grey wagtails. The chances of seeing the elegant Red Kite in the skies above Mid Wales are high.
Just after the village of Llandrinio, the Severn Way leaves Mid Wales and crosses into England.
The Severn Way then follows the meandering river past the towns of Shrewsbury, Worcester, Gloucester and down to Bristol where it runs into the sea.
Walk details provided by the Severn Way Partnership.
Severn Way website
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your comments
Shifa
i really like your artile but i am disappointed to not find the river severn documentary that my teacher showed us where they told you about river severn and its feutures.
Sun Nov 16 20:19:09 2008
Jez Prescott, Telford
I walked from Buildwas to shrewsbury along the severnway on sat 20th sept. It is a good walk very scenic and peaceful. I got the train back from shrewsbury.Total distance 18 miles
Mon Sep 22 07:33:11 2008
Kevin Penny Staffordshire
I will be starting this route from source to Sea from the 26th May and completing on the 2nd June (hopefully).I am looking forward to the random adventures it throws up. I intend to keep a journal and take pics. I am walking the route solo and backpacking using huts and hostels where I can. I am nearly 50 and although I have done some pretty serious stuff before this is my first River walk. Wish me good fortune.
Tue May 6 09:14:01 2008
Matt Taylor from Essex
Do you know if it possible to canoe the 220 miles of the severn from source to sea. I would also need to hire a boat can you help with some information?
Sun Oct 28 09:54:12 2007
Jon Pryor Darlington
You are a brill website n ta for da info on da river Severn.
Wed Apr 26 18:27:24 2006
PHIL, BWLCH Y FFRIDD
Source of Severn is Plynlimon, near Hafren Forest.
Mon Sep 26 16:01:46 2005
ami sutherland england
need pictures of the source
Sat Jun 4 12:20:55 2005
River Severn
Where is the source of the River Severn?
Mon Feb 21 13:48:01 2005
If you've walked the Severn Way from source to sea or just in sections, we want to hear from you.
Trace the trail of Britain's longest river from its source to the sea. Take your time to do the entire 337km route or click on the links below for a ramble along some of the trails' shorter sections in Powys. 
