Powys

Rolling hills dotted with ancient woodlands stretch as far as the eye can see from Town Hill, where the views across this forgotten corner of mid Wales are properly spectacular. This market town sits quietly in the Severn Valley, surrounded by some of the finest mixed woodland in Powys - Aberbechan Wood and Belan Wood offer cracking walks through oak and birch, while the newer Hengwm Plantation provides different terrain altogether.

Newtown station connects you to the Cambrian Line, making this surprisingly accessible despite feeling wonderfully remote. The town itself centres around St Mary's church and the County War Memorial, both worth a quick look before heading out to explore the countryside. Don't miss the Wooden Man gallery if you're after something a bit different - it's one of those quirky local spots that makes a trip memorable.

What really sets this area apart is the sheer amount of forest to explore. Llifior Wood, Ty-mawr Wood, and the twin Cefn-dinas coppices create a proper network of trails and bridleways. You could spend a fortnight here and not cover half of it. The walking is gentle but rewarding, with streams cutting through most valleys.

Basing yourself at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense - you're within easy reach of all these woodlands while staying close enough to Newtown for supplies and that vital railway connection. It's ideal for anyone wanting to experience rural Wales without the crowds that descend on Snowdonia. The pace here is slower, the air cleaner, and the walking never ends.