Banwen Woods

The woodland here rises steeply from the valley floor, ancient beech and oak creating a cathedral-like canopy that muffles the sound of the outside world entirely. Banwen Woods, tucked into Neath Port Talbot's folds, feels properly remote despite being only a few miles from Swansea's sprawl. Walking these paths - and there are several, ranging from gentle riverside strolls to more ambitious climbs - you get the sense of something genuinely wild, not manicured or managed to death. The streams running through are the real draw. Cold, clear, and surrounded by proper mossy banks, they're exactly what you want if you're trying to escape suburban South Wales.

For families, it's brilliant if your kids actually enjoy walking and don't need a gift shop at the end. Serious walkers will find the terrain genuinely rewarding, and anyone with a camera should bring it - the light through the trees shifts beautifully throughout the day. Allow two to three hours minimum; rushing defeats the purpose. There's no admission charge and facilities are minimal, so come prepared. Spring brings bluebells in patches that make the climb worthwhile; autumn's silence is equally good if you prefer solitude.

Combine this with a base at Four Falls Glamping or Willow Springs Campsite, both within easy reach, and you've got something proper. It's close enough to the Brecon Beacons for a longer holiday, but different enough - lusher, tighter, less crowded. Not Instagram-friendly, which is entirely its point.