Pike's Wood

Deep in Powys, a few miles south of Hereford, Pike's Wood is the sort of forest that makes you want to ditch the map and just wander. It's proper woodland - deciduous trees, dappled light, the occasional unexpected clearing where the canopy opens up entirely. You can spend an hour here poking about, or make a morning of it if you're the contemplative type.

Walkers will get the most out of this. It's not dramatic or landmark-heavy, so don't come expecting viewpoints or dramatic vistas. What you get instead is peace, good air, and the kind of green that actually restores you after a week in the car. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough before boredom sets in, but older children who like exploring on their own will take longer.

The forest works brilliantly as a morning detour if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites or caravan parks - Heart of the Wye, By the Wye, and Locksters Pool are all within two miles. Hay-on-Wye Caravan Park, three miles away, would give you access to Hay itself for lunch and books, then Pike's Wood for a wind-down walk. The whole area around here rewards gentle rambling rather than ticking boxes.

There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of - no café, no facilities - so take what you need. It's free to visit and there are no fixed hours, which means you can go at dawn if you fancy it. Best in spring or autumn when you're not battling bracken or midges.