Coed Esgair Gadwyth

Tucked into the Powys hills above Llanbrynmair, Coed Esgair Gadwyth is a proper working forest that feels miles from anywhere. You'll find mixed woodland - oak, ash, conifers - with a network of walking paths ranging from gentle riverside strolls to steeper climbs through the trees. It's the kind of place where you actually see forestry happening: timber stacks, managed clearings, the works.

The main draw here is straightforward: good walking in legitimate Welsh countryside without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots. If you're after dramatic scenery or a destination walk with a café at the end, look elsewhere. But if you want to disappear into proper woodland for a few hours, with that satisfying sense of solitude, this delivers. The paths are well-marked enough, though conditions can get muddy after rain - proper walking boots pay dividends.

It suits walkers far more than families with small children; there's limited facilities and no amenities to speak of. Serious hikers based at Cringoed Caravan Park, just 4 miles away, could easily make this part of a longer day out exploring the surrounding valleys. Allow two to three hours depending on which routes you tackle. No entry fee as far as I can tell - it's accessible woodland, not a managed attraction.

Go in autumn when the light cuts through the canopy properly, or spring when the whole place greens up. Midwinter can be grim underfoot.