Allt y Cocyn

You'll find yourself in proper Welsh woodland the moment you step into Allt y Cocyn, just a short drive from Carmarthen. It's a forest walk rather than a manicured attraction - think winding paths through oak and beech with the occasional stream cutting through. The canopy does most of the work here; dappled light, the smell of damp earth, birdsong that actually makes you pause.

Walkers will get the most from it. There's something satisfying about a place that doesn't try too hard - no visitor centre, no gift shop, just trees and time. Kids won't be bored if they're the sort who like turning over logs and spotting wildlife; younger ones might flag after an hour or so. Allow two to three hours if you're the leisurely type, less if you're just after a brisk stomp.

It's ideal if you're based at one of the nearby farms - Coedhirion Farm Holidays or Quarry Lodge Campsite are within spitting distance - and you want to break up your day without driving far. The Towy Valley area around here has several good walking spots, so you could easily make a morning of it before heading back for lunch.

Free to enter, naturally. No facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water. Spring's lovely when the bluebells are out, but honestly, any time the weather's decent it's well worth the detour if you're after some genuine woodland without the crowds.