Lurkenhope Nature Reserve

The walk into Lurkenhope feels properly remote - you're deep in Powys countryside, miles from anywhere, with just birdsong and the odd sheep for company. It's a nature reserve that rewards those willing to get their boots muddy, offering a genuine slice of Mid Wales woodland and grassland without the crowds you'd find elsewhere.

What you actually get here is decent birdwatching territory and some pleasant rambling through mixed habitat. The reserve isn't flashy - there are no visitor centres or marked trails with interpretation boards - but that's rather the point. Walkers and nature enthusiasts will find it worthwhile. If you're after a quick stroll, though, you might find it a bit sparse. Families with younger kids could manage it, but they'd need genuine interest in spotting birds or insects to stay engaged for long.

Based near Knighton, it sits nicely within reach of the wider Powys walking scene. If you're staying at Black Hall Lodges or Rockbridge Park, both just a few miles away, it's worth adding to a day of exploring the borderlands. The landscape around here is proper hill country - Lurkenhope gives you access to that without needing climbing boots.

Timing-wise, spring and early summer are best for birdlife. Admission appears to be free, though it's the sort of place that might appreciate a small donation if there's a box. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it seriously, less if you just want a quick wander.