Caet-twyn Wood

Walking into Caet-twyn Wood feels like stepping away from everything. The forest sits quietly in Powys, just a short drive from Hereford, and it's the sort of place where you won't find crowds queuing for Instagram shots. Ancient woodland, proper dense in places, with trails that wind through old growth and open sections where light breaks through the canopy.

This is walker territory, full stop. If you're after a gentle stroll with the kids, bring patience - some paths get muddy and uneven, especially after rain. But families with older children who like a bit of adventure will find it rewarding. Historians and woodland enthusiasts will spend hours picking out the different tree species and imagining what this place looked like centuries ago.

Allow a couple of hours minimum, more if you're taking time to sit and actually notice things. There's no visitor centre or facilities I'm aware of, so bring water and something to eat if you're settling in for the afternoon. It's free to walk, which is brilliant.

If you're based at Bryndu Caravan and Camping - a cracking site just four and a half miles away - Caet-twyn makes an excellent morning or afternoon expedition before heading back for dinner. The area around Hereford has good walking country throughout, but this wood offers something quieter and more introspective than the honeypot spots. Worth the detour if you're serious about woodland walks.