Click here if you need directions on reaching the source. Source to Llanidloes - 11.75 miles (19km)
Leave the source of the River Severn, above which red kite and peregrine frequently patrol, by heading back towards Hafren Forest, following a line of whitetopped posts through a brief expanse of blanket bog.
Soon, on the north-eastern side of the infant Severn, you are on a grassy path which descends to a stile at the upper boundary of Hafren Forest. The path goes into the trees, continuing for a short distance to a wide forest trail.
Turn right here, crossing the Severn for the first time. Already it is an ebullient stream muscling its way through plantations of pine and spruce.
Turn left and follow a newly developed path that takes the Severn Way along the banks of the river descending through the forest for about 2 miles.
Eventually a footbridge takes you back onto the left bank. Shortly after the river bends to the left, at its confluence with the Afon Hore, you join a broad track. When the track forks, branch right. Stay beside the Severn to pass another flume station, and continue with the river.
A short way on, just below some small cascades, you join the Hafren boardwalk, which is very slippery when wet. As you approach Rhyd-y-benwch and pass a ford, branch right on a riverside gravel path.
Pass a footbridge and immediately climb left to the edge of a field. Turn right to follow the field edge, soon reaching a picnic area overlooking the river.
Continue along the path, which takes you onto another slippery boardwalk and then into forest. After leaving the trees, cross a bridge to the right bank, and follow a broad track until you reach a bridge at the waterfall known as Severn-Break-its-Neck. Cross the bridge and go up the bank, turning right to reach the valley road.
As you emerge from the forest so the valley opens up in front of you, a delightful picture of rolling green hillsides, patterned by hedgerows, that accompanies you down the road to Neuadd (Old Hall).
Whenever the route closely follows the river, keep an eye open too for dippers and grey wagtails, which are perfectly suited to this watery habitat.
Follow the road past Neuadd (where there is a small post office, but with limited opening hours) down to a junction. Turn right here and descend to cross the Severn, then immediately turn left on a lane.
Pass the Old Chapel at Glanhafren. After a cattle grid, keep left, following a quiet back lane for almost 4km (2 miles) to a T-junction. Turn left and cross the Severn again at Felindre Bridge.
At the next road turn right and walk towards Llanidloes. Just as you reach the edge of town turn right over Short Bridge then take the first turning on the left into Penygraig Street.
If you don't want to tackle the 210-mile Severn Way in one go, try a shorter sections. This one starts at the river's source in Pumlumon and ends in the market town of Llanidloes. 
