The Crychan and Halfway Forest is set in beautiful countryside nestling between the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. Here miles of waymarked trails take you through tranquil grassy gorges, along old drover's routes and past cascading waterfalls, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of Mid Wales.

The Forest is beautifully situated at the gateway of the Cambrian mountains, on the border of the Brecon Beacons National Park. There is a contrast of trees from the native oak, ash, beech and hazel of the original ancient forest, to the imported conifers, which have a beauty all of their own. Depending on the season, the colours vary from the winter whites of snowdrops, the yellow hues of daffodils and gorse, the spectacular sight of the blue haze made up of thousands of bluebells, and the golden amber of the autumn foliage.

The many miles of way-marked routes with breathtaking views, are on forest roads, criss-crossed with old tracks and drovers roads providing a safe environment for horse riding, cycling and walking. The drove roads were once used to drive livestock through the wild mountains of mid-Wales en route to Smithfield Market in London. The horse trails follow old tracks where possible, whereas the cycle routes follow the varied gradients of forest roads. All these routes are available to walkers.

On these tracks which run over hills and through wooded valleys, you may be lucky enough to see a variety of wild life, including red kites, honey buzzards, goshawks, many more birds and animals. You may come across the ivy-clad ruins of one of the old farms that once dotted this area.

There are four receptor sites for entry into Crychan Forest at Brynffo, Esgair Fwyog, Cefn Farm and Halfway, providing ample parking for cars and horseboxes, with picnic tables, corralling areas and tethering posts.

Access onto the Epynt Way can be made at 3 locations from the waymarked trails in Crychan Forest. This greatly increases the opportunity for exploring the area, the open country of the military ranges provides a contrast to the forest environment. Visit www.defence-estates.mod.uk/epyntway/ (website opens in a new window).