Known in Welsh as Afon Hafren, some suggest the river derives both its Welsh and English names from its original Brythonic name of Sabrina. Legend has it that Sabrina, the goddess of the Hafren in Welsh mythology, was a nymph who drowned in its waters.

Given such reverence attached to this majestic waterway, it’s only fitting, therefore, the Severn Way that trails it is the longest river walk in Britain.

It follows the snaking giant from its source 2,001ft above sea level, amid the bleak Cambrian Mountains above Llanidloes, to the point where it becomes the boundary between Wales and England.

Run by the Environment Agency and several local authorities along its route, including Powys County Council, the walk offers a unique insight into the Anglo-Welsh borderlands.

However, the more casual walker needn’t get into a flap about setting off on a 200-mile-plus trek the like of which Moses would’ve been proud of.

The path offers plenty of opportunities to follow just shorter sections, few gentler than that between Welshpool and Newtown, and several points in between.

Pick up useful guides from the Tourist Information Centres in Newtown or Welshpool before setting off.

For much of the way it follows the route of the Montgomery Canal, which flows parallel with the Severn for large sections in these parts.

Start from any convenient point, and catch the ample train or bus services back to where you started from if you don’t fancy the walk back.

Setting off along the towpath from the Montgomery Canal Centre in Welshpool, admire the engineering genius which saw this section of the canal network built between 1792 and 1821.

The canal was sadly abandoned in 1944 as other modes of haulage became more popular. However a band of willing volunteers took on the task of restoring its former glory in 1969, the project still ongoing to this day under the wing of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

The path takes you to the impressive locks at Belan, and past the grounds of the magnificent 13th century Powis Castle.

Marvel at the iron trough that forms the Luggy Aqueduct near Berriew, before passing the old coal wharf at Brynderwen and the beautifully ornate cast iron Glanhafren Bridge near Abermule.

Pop into the Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve for a respite among the ample wildlife, before continuing on your way to the journey’s end by the Halfpenny Bridge in Newtown’s Severn Park.

Walk across the car park to the Severn Park Café for a spot of sustenance after your endeavours.

Open seven days a week, you can tuck into a mega breakfast for £5.25, a sausage sandwich for just £2, or a breakfast baguette for £3.75 while resting your weary feet.

If you’ve still not sated your curiosity for the day, pop along to the noted Oriel Davies Gallery just yards away to view the latest exhibits.

Showing until April 12 is Becoming Modern, an exhibition run in conjunction with the National Museum of Paintings inspired by the diaries kept by sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies as they travelled through Italy in 1909.

They’d have been hard-pressed to beat the Severn Way for natural beauty and tranquillity.