'Magical' forest with thousands of pine trees and waterfalls

While Merseyside has some stunning walks, tucked away in the heart of Wales, a mesmerising forest filled with thousands of pine and spruce trees has visitors so captivated they can't believe they're still in the UK. Spanning approximately 15 square miles of awe-inspiring scenery and teeming wildlife, Hafren Forest exudes a magical aura.

Here, you can meander under a lush canopy on a series of walks that pass streams and waterfalls along the way. It is just a couple of hours from Liverpool and has a number of routes and walks.

A stone's throw from the Welsh town of Llanidloes, it's an ideal spot for autumnal ambles, witnessing the seasonal transition up close. When TikTok travellers going by the handle @tomharbourne stumbled upon the forest, they hailed it as "the best boardwalk in the country".

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The adventurers, known for their knack for uncovering lesser-known beauty spots within the UK, paid a visit to Hafren Forest. They posted a video on TikTok, simply captioned "This is not Canada", showcasing the walk along the boardwalk, bordered by rushing water and a corridor of trees on either side, reports the Mirror.

They said: "This walk showcases some of the most amazing scenery Wales has to offer and the views you get on this stunning walk immediately will have your thoughts drifting away to pine forests of Canada or Alaska."

The Cascades Walk leads to a breathtaking viewpoint featuring waterfalls, providing the ideal spot to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature. The boardwalk is easily accessible and includes ramps for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, making it a destination that everyone can enjoy.

The Source of the Severn Trail is also located in the forest, leading explorers to the river's source on the slopes of Pumlumon, the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains. This hour-long trail takes visitors along the river, through a wildflower meadow before crossing a footbridge where the River Severn roars down a gully to form the famous Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall.

The forest was planted in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission and the river's source is on the slopes of Pumlumon (Plynlimon), the tallest mountain in mid-Wales. It's also a sanctuary for wildlife.

It's home to a range of rare bird species, including buzzards, goshawks, red kites, and merlins. Moreover, nearly all of the UK's native freshwater fish species can be found in its waters, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Walks through the forest can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 4.5 hours, with terrain varying from a man-made boardwalk to loose stone and steep slopes depending on your choice.

Perfect for pausing to soak in the otherworldly beauty, there are picnic areas conveniently situated near the car park and at the end of the boardwalk.

Hafren Forest is a perfect spot for families, couples and large groups, offering ample space for everyone to roam and relish. It's an ideal location whether you're after a tranquil escape or a fun-filled family day out.

What's more, there's no entry fee, making it a cost-effective choice for nature enthusiasts wanting to take in the breathtaking Welsh scenery without splashing out.

With its picturesque views, abundant wildlife and serene trails, Hafren Forest is a must-see for anyone touring Wales.