Gibby's Plantation

Dense woodland trails wind through this working plantation near Narberth, where commercial forestry meets public access in a way that actually works rather well. The paths here aren't manicured tourist routes - they're proper forest tracks that give you a genuine sense of being among proper trees rather than wandering through a glorified park.

Walkers who enjoy a bit of solitude will find this place refreshing. The lack of signage and formal facilities means you're unlikely to bump into coach parties, though it also means navigation relies on your own sense of direction. Families with very young children might find the uneven terrain challenging, but older kids who like exploring will love the sense of adventure.

What strikes you most is the sheer density of the canopy - even on bright days, the light filters through in that dappled way that makes everything feel hushed and cathedral-like. The plantation mix of conifers and deciduous trees creates interesting contrasts in texture and colour, particularly striking in autumn.

From the holiday parks around Narberth - Noble Court and Redford Caravan Park are closest - this makes a decent morning outing when you want something more substantial than a beach walk but less demanding than a proper hill hike. Allow a couple of hours if you want to explore properly, though you could easily spend longer if the mood takes you.