Black Covert Woodland, near Aberystwyth
Sheltered picnic site with riverside walk
Radnor Forest (Fishpools), near Knighton
Woodland walk with views over the valley
What's here
Coronavirus update
Our sites and most visitor facilities are open but, under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.
You are strongly advised – in line with current Welsh Government regulations – not to drive to any of our sites to exercise unless you have specific health or mobility issues.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
Overview
Fishpools is in the area known as Radnor Forest which was used as a royal hunting ground for centuries.
In medieval times, rather than being covered with trees, it was an unenclosed area for hunting deer.
Nowadays it is a landscape of hill farming, moorlands, steep narrow valleys and hills.
The waymarked walking trail from Fishpools car park leads to a viewpoint over the village of Bleddfa and the surrounding countryside.
Bleddfa means “place of the wolf” and tradition has it that the last wolves in Wales were driven out of Radnor Forest into the valley here and killed.
Walking trail
The walking trail is waymarked from the car park.
Fishpools Walk
2¾ miles, 4.3 kilometres, moderate
The trail first passes an old water sighting tower used to survey the line of pipeline from the Elan Valley to a reservoir in the Midlands.
Further along, there are beautiful views to the west, out across the valley and the hills surrounding Abbey Cwm Hir.
The optional loop goes around the heathland where local people once had the right to cut peat for fuel (an ancient right known as “turbary”).
Exploring Radnor Forest
Fishpools is in the area known as Radnor Forest.
There are walking trails at two other woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales within Radnor Forest.
Go to Warren Wood and Nash Wood for more information.
Closures and diversions
Please note:
- Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations
- Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff
- Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place
How to get here
Location
Fishpools car park is 7 miles west of Knighton.
It is in the county of Powys.
Parking is free of charge.
Directions
From Knighton take the A488 to the small village of Bleddfa. Continue along this road for just over 1 mile and Fishpools car park is on the left.
Ordnance Survey map
Fishpools is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 200.
The OS grid reference is SO 188 681.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Knighton.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Contact details
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Downloads
Related document downloads
Radnor Forest (Fishpools) site information
PDF [1.3 MB]
Radnor Forest leaflet
PDF [2.8 MB]
Radnor Forest location map
PDF [7.6 MB]
