Ross's Wood

The woodland floor here is carpeted with moss and last season's leaves - that proper damp smell of old forest that you either love or find a bit melancholy. Ross's Wood sits just inland from Chepstow, a decent-sized tract of natural woodland where you can actually lose the car park noise within five minutes of walking.

There's nothing flashy about it. No visitor centre, no waymarked trails that I could find, just paths that emerge naturally where people have walked. You get a genuine woodland experience rather than a managed nature reserve feeling. Quieter on weekdays, which matters if you're after some peace.

The main appeal is straightforward: if you're staying at Penhein Glamping nearby and want to stretch your legs without driving, this works perfectly. An hour's walk here, potter about, spot whatever wildlife happens to be about. Adults will appreciate the woodland atmosphere; younger kids might get bored unless they're into collecting sticks and splashing through puddles.

There's no entrance fee that I'm aware of, and no official hours - it's just there. The soil gets boggy after rain, so wellies make sense most of the time. Spring and early summer are probably nicest when there's actually something blooming, though I suspect it's pleasant enough year-round if you don't mind the damp.

Couple this with Chepstow's castle and riverside walks if you're making a day of it. Ross's Wood itself won't take more than a couple of hours maximum, but it's the sort of quiet stop that breaks up a holiday nicely.