Pyle Waterfall

The walk down to Pyle Waterfall takes you through proper woodland - the kind where the canopy gets thick enough that you'll need to watch your footing on damp days. It's only a short trek from the car park, maybe 15 minutes if you're not dawdling, but the path can be slick in wet weather, so decent shoes are worth the bother.

The waterfall itself isn't enormous - we're talking a modest cascade rather than the dramatic plunge you might see in the Scottish Highlands. But that's part of its charm. It's genuinely peaceful, the sort of place where you can actually hear the water properly without tourist noise. The surrounding valley is lush and green, with rocks and moss-covered logs creating a proper natural feel.

You'll want to allow an hour minimum to walk there, have a poke about, and find a decent spot for photos or just sitting. Families with young kids will manage the distance fine, though the terrain demands attention - not a buggy-friendly route. History enthusiasts might find the old mining heritage of the area interesting, though there's little signage about it on site.

It's free to visit and you can turn up whenever you fancy. Go earlier in the week if you want solitude. If you're staying at Trecco Bay Holiday Park near Porthcawl, this makes a cracking morning or afternoon outing - easy enough to combine with a coastal walk or a visit to the town itself without eating up your whole day.