Erwood Station is a riverside wander with rapids, rocks and roots; running alongside the River Wye and up onto the neighbouring hillside. It is sheltered next to the river where you’re protected from the elements, however it is a bit wilder higher up so dress wrap up if it’s windy. There is a steep, up-hill section of walking on the hillside where littler legs might need a hand, if you are looking for a more gentle wander then make this a linear route and stay next to the river. At Erwood Station Gallery you will find toilets, refreshments, parking and a picnic area.
Erwood Station
Distance: 2 miles
Time: around 1 hr 30 mins (a bit longer if you stop to explore)
Guide
From the car park walk towards the gallery keeping to the left of the restored train and past the wildlife hide.
Follow the River Walk sign, go through the gate and along the path. It is a bit lumpy and bumpy with tree roots so those new to walking might need a hand.
Continue along the path, keeping an eye out for bird boxes in the trees.
Turn left through the gate and along the path at the edge of a field.
Then down through the trees – careful, it’s a little bit steep here.
Over the bridge..
.. and through a magical tree tunnel.
When you go through the next gate, please be aware that you are on the river bank and there isn’t a fence.
These big, flat rocks are calling out to be explored – obviously be super careful next to the river. We climbed down to have a closer look at the rushing water.
We found some really interesting holes and burrows – who might live in a hole like this?
And of course, some pine cones (soooo many pine cones)!!
The path continues along the river bank, through a couple more gates and then begins to wind uphill, away from the riverbank – if you are looking for a gentler walk then this is a good place to turn back.
Be VERY careful when you reach this point. There is a steep, un-fenced drop, down the bank to the left.
Follow the footpath signs going right, up the short slope, to a gate at the top.
Through the gate head diagonally left across the field and up the bank.
At the top of the bank look right and walk towards the house on the horizon, soon you will see this gate.
At the road turn right and continue along the wide grass verge until you reach this gate. The road isn’t too busy but the cars do go fast (we try not to walk near roads but this was unavoidable).
After the cattle grid cross the road onto the smaller tarmac lane and head right, up the track on your right. If you want to head straight back you could continue along the road, however further down there isn’t a verge therefore I wouldn’t recommend this.
Follow the grassy track up the hill to the trees at the top. This section is pretty steep and our adventurer needed a bit of a carry, especially after the amount she’d already walked (chocolate also helped!) so be prepared to offer a helping hand.
Keep going on the grassy track across the open hillside. There are a couple of gullies and rocky outcrops so ensure adventurers stick to the path as much as possible.
At the brow of the hill is a view that was breathtaking even with low cloud – hiding at the back are the magnificent Black Mountains and the edge of the Brecon Beacons.
From here wander down the hill, soon you will see Erwood Station on your right. Our adventurer wanted to run down this muddy hill… mummy very nearly slid down!!
When you reach the tarmac road turn right and you will see the car park and picnic benches of Erwood Station.
Use this map to guide you on your way. Click to enlarge.
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The map reference is SO 089438
Erwood Station is home to Erwood Station Gallery where you can find parking, a picnic area, toilets and a tea room along with a gallery and shop.
Directions: From Erwood, head towards Builth Wells. On exiting the village take the first right following the brown tourist sign for Erwood Station. Continue on this road, over a bridge, around a sharp left hand bend and Erwood Station is on your left.
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