Nash Wood & Nash Trail

The Nash Trail takes you through proper woodland country on the border between Herefordshire and Powys, with Nash Wood itself forming the heart of what's essentially a local walking route rather than a formal attraction. You're following an old drovers' path here - the kind of track that would have seen cattle being herded to market centuries ago. The woodland is dense and atmospheric, particularly in autumn when the canopy turns copper and gold.

It's ideal for walkers who want something genuine rather than manicured. Allow two to three hours for the full circuit depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections. The path isn't demanding enough to put off casual hikers, but it's not flat either - there's proper climbing involved. Kids aged eight and up would manage fine if they're used to outdoors, though younger ones might find the muddy bits tedious.

Nearby Presteigne makes the logical base, though the holiday parks scattered around - Rockbridge Park just 1.6 miles away scores brilliantly on reviews - put you closer to the trailhead itself. Pearl Lake Country Holiday Park at 5 miles offers more facilities if you want proper amenities alongside your walking. The area works well as part of a broader walking holiday, with numerous trails crisscrossing the border country.

Go early morning if possible, especially weekends. The car parks at the trailhead fill up, and there's something special about having the wood mostly to yourself.