Allt Pontbren

The Afon Teifi cuts through a proper gorge here, and Allt Pontbren is where you get to walk right alongside it. Dense woodland crowds both banks - oak and beech mostly - and the river drops through a series of small falls that catch the light when the sun's actually out, which in Carmarthenshire is no guarantee.

It's a solid riverside walk rather than a destination in itself. The path runs along the valley floor, and if you're fit enough you can push further upstream. The canopy is thick enough that even on warm days it stays cool down here. Expect roots, loose stones, and the occasional muddy section after rain - proper walking boots aren't optional. Locals will tell you to time it right and you'll spot herons. I didn't, but the river itself is plenty.

This is for walkers who want something genuine rather than Instagram-ready. Kids old enough to handle uneven ground will manage fine, but toddlers and buggies won't. The walk takes anything from 45 minutes to three hours depending on how far you venture, and you can do it free - there's no entrance fee or parking charge I could find.

If you're staying at Embrace the Space near Llandysul (about 4 miles away), this makes a proper morning or afternoon out. The glamping yurts there are the posh sort with hot tubs, so you can work off some energy here and soak properly afterwards. Worth combining the two.