Garthmyl Wood

The woodland around Garthmyl, just south of Welshpool, is proper walking country - mix of mature broadleaf and conifer, the kind of place where you'll actually hear birdsong instead of your own footsteps echoing back at you. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which means it stays relatively quiet even on decent weekends.

You're looking at forest trails ranging from gentle strolls to proper leg-burners depending on which route you pick. The terrain's varied enough - some open glades, dense sections where the canopy closes right down, and occasional views back towards the Powys countryside if you know where to look. It's the sort of walk where you notice things: fungi sprouting from logs, the way light filters through differently depending on the tree type.

Walkers will get the most from this. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after an hour unless they're really into nature spotting. The lack of facilities means you need to be self-sufficient - bring water, proper boots if it's been wet. Allow two to three hours for a decent loop without rushing.

If you're based at Mellington Hall Caravan Park, it's practically on your doorstep at just over six miles. Pairs well with a Welshpool town visit - grab supplies there before heading into the woods. Spring and autumn are when it really comes alive, though it's walkable year-round as long as conditions aren't absolutely grim.