Vital maintenance work on an iconic part of one of Powys’ most popular walking trails the Severn Way is nearing completion, Powys County Council has said.

The Severn Way is the longest riverside walk in Britain and follows the route of the River Severn from its source in the Plynlimon Hills, near Llanidloes, on a 210 mile journey to its mouth in the Bristol Channel.

The trail begins close to the source of the Severn following a stone path across open moorland and blanket bog. The importance of the blanket bog habitat means the area is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Over time the existing path surface has become badly worn and some of the stone slabs across the bog have sunk meaning some sections are completely underwater in wet weather. The council has obtained consent from the landowner and Natural Resources Wales to work within the SSSI and have partnered with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA) who will be delivering the project on the ground.

Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, Councillor Jonathan Wilkinson said; “Undertaking substantial works in such a difficult and sensitive location is not easy and by working with the BBNPA we were able to take advantage of their considerable expertise in this area.

“Work began by airlifting 97 tonnes of stone on to the hilltop trail. This is now being spread by hand to repair the worn sections of the path. Sunken stone slabs will be lifted and re-set and blocked drainage channels adjacent to the path will also be re-opened.

“The Severn Way provides an excellent opportunity for everyone, both locals and visitors, to enjoy what the county has to offer in terms of its landscape and people. These works are very welcome and mean that people can continue to enjoy a special part of Powys’ beautiful countryside for many more years to come,” he added.

The path remains open to walkers during the work.