Coed Rhiw-goch

The forest sprawls across the hillside above Llanbrynmair like someone's thrown a green blanket over the Powys slopes, and Coed Rhiw-goch is proper woodland walking territory. You're looking at mixed forest - oak, ash, conifers - with a network of trails that range from gentle ambles to steeper climbs depending on your mood and fitness.

The appeal here is straightforward: trees, fresh air, and a real sense of getting away from things without needing a four-wheel drive to get there. Walkers will appreciate the gradients and the views back towards the valley when you break through the canopy. Families with kids who actually enjoy walking - not the whingey type - can manage the easier routes comfortably enough, though there's nothing spectacular about a play area or café, so don't expect amenities.

If you're based at Cringoed Caravan Park down the road, this makes an excellent morning or afternoon's work. It's close enough that you won't spend half your holiday driving, but far enough that it feels like proper exploration rather than a quick park stroll.

Timing-wise, allow between ninety minutes and three hours depending on which trails you fancy and how often you stop. Spring and autumn are genuinely lovely here - winter can get muddy, summer occasionally busy with locals. The forest is free to access, which is refreshing, and there are no gates or faffing about with opening hours.

It's not a destination in itself, but it's exactly what you want when you're between other things - a solid chunk of Welsh woodland that delivers what it promises.