Ynysdawela Nature Park

The Towy Valley opens up properly when you hit Ynysdawela Nature Park, just outside Llangadog. It's a working landscape rather than a manicured attraction - ancient woodland mixed with meadow, the sort of place where you actually see what the Welsh countryside looked like before everything got tidied up for tourists.

Walking here is the draw. There are decent trails that loop through the trees and down to the riverbank, nothing too strenuous but proper enough to feel like you've done something. Birdwatchers come for the woodland species, and if you're into plants, the spring shows are genuinely worth timing a visit around. The real appeal is how quiet it stays - you'll rarely feel crowded, even in peak season.

You'll want a couple of hours minimum, longer if you're the type who actually stops to look at things. It's free to access, which is refreshing. The nearest facilities are in Llangadog itself, so plan ahead.

For a camping holiday in the area, this slots perfectly alongside the three excellent sites nearby - Llandyfan Camping is closest, while Cosmos and Gelli both offer something different in terms of setup. Use them as your base and spend mornings here before heading out to other valleys or up into the Brecon range. It won't blow your mind, but it's genuinely good land to walk and worth the detour if you're serious about seeing the real Carmarthenshire rather than the postcard version.