Hafren Forest Hiking and Paddle Sports Weekend
Tue 27 May
|Llanidloes
Hafren Forest Hideaway in the Cambrian Mountains offers cozy accommodations and hearty meals amidst stunning natural beauty, with activities like walking, cycling, and paddle sports. Enjoy guided adventures and free time to explore, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventurers!
Time & Location
27 May 2025, 16:30 – 29 May 2025, 13:00
Llanidloes, Hafren Forest, Llanidloes SY18 6SY, UK
About the event
This is a gorgeous hidden gem in the Cambrian Mountains, an area of astounding natural beauty. There is plenty to do outdoors, walking, cycling, paddle sports. fishing, to name a few! Glyndwr's Way, and the National cycle route NCR-8 pass through here. Despite the utter beauty it beholds, as a tourism area it is less well known than areas in North and South Wales.
Hafren Forest Hideaway is a unique accommodation, with comfortable rooms and a very homely feel. The lounge offers gorgeous views, and a lovely wood burner for the colder nights. Your hosts and will ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. You are treated to a hearty cooked breakfast, lunch and evening meal so you don't need to worry about finding somewhere to eat. The dining room seats 14, a great place to sit and share stories!
There are 4 bedrooms sleeping up to 13 people; 2 with 2 x single beds, 1 with 2 x single beds plus a bunk bed, and the largest room has 3 x single beds plus 1 x bunk bed. It is so well thought out, each bed has a USB charging point, a touch light and a box under the bed to neatly store your belongings. The bathrooms are shared as you would expect in group accommodation, and there are 6 electric showers. Each bedroom is allocated a shower/showers and there are 5 toilets, which can be split into male/female.
"Hafren Forest Hideaway is not just a place to stay; it's a gateway to a unique experience, a celebration of the great outdoors, and a haven where you can truly feel at home".
Difficulty: Beginner Approximate Duration: 2 Nights
ITINERARY
Day 1:
4.30pm - 6.30pm: Arrive at the Hideaway, settle in.
6.30pm-7.30pm: Join the group for a delicious home cooked meal.
7.30pm onwards: Meet around the campfire (weather dependant), perhaps play some games, chat about tomorrow's walk and take advantage of your guides knowledge about the area. On a clear night it is a splendid place to stargaze - being rural there are wonderfully dark skies.
Day 2:
8am - 9am: We will prepare a delicious cooked breakfast, using locally sourced produce. We are experienced at catering to various dietary requirements.
9.30am - 2pm: Time to explore this amazing area on foot with a fully qualified mountain leader with lots of experience. They will lead the walk which takes roughly 4.5 hours. His knowledge of the area is impressive, he can tell you about the flora and fauna, the history and geology of the area. There will be an optional shorter route for anyone who cannot make the full walk. You will have a packed lunch for during the walk.
2pm - 6pm: Free time to explore at your leisure, take a nap, read a book in the cosy lounge.
6pm-7pm: Dinner
7pm onwards: Another opportunity to enjoy an evening around the campfire. .
Day 3:
8am - 9am: We will prepare a cooked breakfast.
9.30am - 12pm: Paddle sports on Llyn Clywedog. Make your way to Llyn Clywedog sailing and Paddle Sports Club (just a 10 min drive from the Hideaway). You have the option of kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. Your instructor will teach you the basics of whichever activity you choose.
12pm - 1pm: Lunch - This can be taken at the lake, there are picnic benches outside or tables inside. After lunch, you have time to shower back at the Hideaway, before packing up and say your goodbyes!
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Not climbed a Mountain before? Don't worry, you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy mountain climbing in the UK, but a reasonable level of fitness will certainly enhance your experience. Here are some key points to consider:
Basic Fitness: You should be comfortable walking for several hours at a steady pace. Regular walking or jogging can help build your stamina.
Strength and Endurance: Some strength in your legs and core will be beneficial, as mountain paths can be steep and uneven.
Cardiovascular Health: Good cardiovascular health is important. Activities like brisk walking or using a stair climber can improve this.
Flexibility and Balance: Flexibility and balance are also helpful. Stretching exercises and yoga can improve your flexibility and balance.
Mental Preparedness: Mental resilience is key. Being prepared for a challenge and having a positive mindset will help you enjoy the climb.
Your Guide will ensure your safety, providing support and advice throughout the journey. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the experience and the stunning views, so we will take it at a pace you are comfortable with so you can have fun!
IS THIS ADVENTURE SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Absolutely! This adventure is designed with beginners in mind. Our experienced Guides will lead you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to mountain climbing or looking to build your confidence, you’ll find this adventure both accessible and rewarding. Just bring your enthusiasm and a basic level of fitness, and you’re all set to enjoy the journey!
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE?
The terrain of UK mountains varies, but beginners can generally expect well-marked paths and trails, ranging from grassy slopes to rocky paths. Some sections may be steep but are usually manageable with a steady pace and breaks. The surface can be a mix of grassy, muddy, and rocky areas, so good hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. Weather conditions can change quickly, making the terrain slippery or challenging, so be prepared for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures.
WHAT KIT DO I NEED?
For UK adventures, you’ll need some essential kit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s what you should bring:
Clothing: Wear moisture-wicking layers to stay dry and comfortable, warm hat and gloves are also important.
Waterproofs: A waterproof jacket and trousers, as weather can change quickly.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential for navigating varied terrain.
Backpack: A comfortable backpack to carry your essentials, including water, snacks, and extra layers.
Hydration and Nutrition: Plenty of water (min 2L) and high-energy food and snacks to keep you fueled.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against sun exposure.
Safety Gear: A personal first aid kit, whistle, and headlamp with extra batteries.
Detailed Kit Lists will be sent in advance of your adventure starting. Want to know what kit we recommend? Check out our Amazon Kit List.
SWEET ADVENTURES COMMUNITY
Signing up to a Sweet Adventure also gives you access to our Adventure Community where you can meet like-minded individuals, get support from others, ask for advice and share photos/videos of your adventures. We hope this will help you build relationships with a tribe of adventure enthusiasts like you!
OUR GUIDES
Our guides are the heart and soul of our adventures. Each guide is highly experienced, bringing a wealth of knowledge about the terrain, weather conditions, and safety protocols. They are passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to making your experience both enjoyable and memorable. Our guides are not just experts in navigation and mountain safety; they are also skilled in providing encouragement and support. They understand that every adventurer is unique, and they tailor their approach to meet individual needs and abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our guides will ensure you feel confident and secure throughout the journey.
In addition to their technical skills, our guides are excellent storytellers and educators. They love sharing fascinating insights about the local flora, fauna, and history of the areas you explore. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making each hike not just a physical challenge but also an enriching learning experience. With our guides leading the way, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and the thrill of the adventure, knowing you’re in safe and capable hands.
HOW BIG ARE THE GROUPS?
We keep our groups small to ensure a more personalized experience. This approach allows our Guides to give each participant individual attention and support, catering to different skill levels and needs. With fewer people, you can enjoy a more intimate and friendly atmosphere, making it easier to connect with fellow adventurers. Smaller groups also mean more flexibility in pacing and activities, ensuring everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Plus, it enhances safety, as our leaders can closely monitor and assist each participant throughout the journey.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Life can be unpredictable, and we understand that. If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us as soon as possible. We value your commitment to this journey and want to accommodate your needs. See Terms & Conditions for full details.
Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Join us on a Sweet Adventure and reserve your spot today to start your path to success. Have any questions or concerns? Our friendly team is here to help! Reach out to us at info@sweetadventures.uk or give us a call at +44 (0) 161 399 1018.