We visited Hafod on a beautiful sunny day in late April. The Hafod Estate has been cared for by the National Trust and Natural Resources Wales since 2022.

We knew that the humans intended walking around the many paths on the estate so climbed into the backpack at the start!

We hoped to follow ‘The Gentleman’s Walk’ but were aware that some paths were closed due to fallen trees (Storm Darragh brought them down) blocking the way.

We stopped to look at two Highland cows were basking in the sun, we thought they looked quite young.

We started off on the yellow walk, and got out of the bear carrier for my human to photograph us.

There are some really splendid dry stone walls coverd in moss and lichen.

Mariamne’s garden from the early 1800s had returned to nature, we went through the gate to explore.

There were several seats in the overgrown garden where it was possible to just enjoy the peace and listen to the birds. We sat on a log overlooking the valley for a little while.

After walking down through the valley we found ourselves down in the valley.

We passed a charming NT holiday cottage.

We got in and out of the backpack, and walked along the flat stretches of path.

The manor house at Hafod was demolished in 1956 after falling into a state of disrepair, but the old stable buildings remain and are maintained.

Inside the stables a table was set up for humans to draw pictures. My human’s partner is rather good at drawing, so he did a sketch of Growler and myself…

I think I look a bit like Winnie the Pooh!

We clipped the drawing up on the wall, and hope that it makes future visitors to the stable smile!

Back on the walking trail we reached the ‘Footpaths closed’ sign.

We could see a huge fallen tree across the other side and just went across the bridge to have a look. There were several more further up the path, storm Darragh did quite a lot of damage in Wales.

After looking at the stream for a little while we were feeling the need for a little something to eat.

The humans had brought a picnic with food for us too, which we sat and enjoyed in the sunshine.

A little nap in the dappled shade was necessary before continuing to explore…

There are some lovely views. Thomas Johnes inherited Hafod in 1790. He created the many paths and planted over 4 million trees in the area (obviously not him personally but his workers!)

We continued walking on through the woods, not really knowing which trail we were now on, but our mission was to get down near the stream.

Through a gate we found Mrs Johnes’ Flower Garden, which has been restored.

Finally we found the water, the sound alone felt refreshing as the late April sunshine had become quite warm.

I ventured onto the rocks and got a little bit splashed. A little bit of water on me sonn dries out, but I didn’t want to fall in. Growler has to be very careful as he is stuffed with woodshavings, he really didn’t want to risk getting wet.

We sat and watched the waterfall…

It was time to move on, as there was still lots to see. We were carried across the rope bridge behind us, which only 2 humans at a time are allowed on.

There is a stone arch folly up above the stream which frames the view of the valley, though the camera focused on us! My human often takes photographs having no clue whether they have come out well as she needs reading glasses to see the images well and doesn’t check them when we are out on location.

When we got back to the car park the humans had walked over 5 miles, though we walked less than a mile due to ‘backpacking’.

It was a shame some of the paths were closed as we missed some views, including the Cavern Cascades and the tower, but we still really enjoyed ourselves exploring such a tranquil beautiful place.

For more information see: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/hafod-estate/visiting-the-hafod-estate

Horace the Alresford Bear 7/5/2025