Allt Cwm-du

The woodland around Allt Cwm-du, just outside Cardigan, is proper walking territory. It's a steep-sided valley forest with a decent stream running through it - the kind of place where you can actually hear the water moving rather than just seeing it flow past. The trails wind through mixed woodland with some decent views if you pick the right path, and it's the sort of spot that rewards a bit of exploration rather than following a single marked route.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll - there's genuine elevation involved and the paths can be muddy after rain, which they often are in West Wales. An hour or two is enough to feel like you've properly stretched your legs, though you can easily spend longer if you want to pick around the steeper sections. The forest itself is fairly dense, so don't expect long vistas, but that's part of its appeal. Kids old enough to manage uneven ground will enjoy it; younger ones might find it a bit much.

If you're camping nearby - Cardigan Camping and Touring Caravan Site is barely a mile away, and there are several other sites within a few miles including Happy Campers Family Park and Gwbert Glamping - this makes a proper morning or afternoon activity when the weather's on your side. Spring and autumn are best; summer can feel a touch claustrophobic in the dense canopy. Free access, naturally, and no faffing about with opening hours. Just turn up and go.