Allt Tyddyn

The forest at Allt Tyddyn sits just outside Whitland in Carmarthenshire, offering proper woodland walking without the tourist crush you'd find at bigger reserves. It's straightforward stuff - mixed woodland with decent paths that take you through beech and oak, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The trees are tall enough to block most of the sky, which is either a blessing or not depending on the weather.

Walkers will get the most from this. Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited if they're after playground facilities or visitor centres - there's no evidence of either. But if you've got boots and a packed lunch, it's worth the detour. Allow a couple of hours to properly explore without feeling rushed. The paths are reasonably well-maintained, though after heavy rain the whole thing turns into a mud experience.

As for timing, spring and autumn are obvious choices, though the woods hold their own in summer when the canopy keeps things relatively cool. Winter can work too if you don't mind squelching.

It works well with a glamping holiday in the area. Embrace the Space and Frowen Fields are both within five miles or so, meaning you could wake up in a yurt and be on the forest paths within twenty minutes. Llain Farm and Woodland Rise offer similar proximity. After a morning walk here, you'd have the afternoon free to explore Whitland itself or venture further into the Carmarthenshire countryside. Not dramatic, but solid woodland time.