Hafren Forest lies north-west of Llanidloes, an ancient market town in Mid Wales.
It takes its name from the Afon Hafren (Welsh for 'River Severn') which rises in a deep peat bog approximately 800 metres (0.5 miles) outside western boundary of the forest, high on the slopes of Pumlumon, the highest mountain in Mid Wales.
The creation of the forest in 1937 involved the purchase of twelve upland sheep farms, including "Rhyd y Benwch" which is now the location of a car park and picnic area.
[3][4] Although the forest still produces timber for Natural Resources Wales, it has also developed as a wildlife habitat and as a tourist attraction.
In January 2013 BBC Top Gear used a Bentley Continental driven by Kris Meeke to cover the stage.