Ban-y-Gor Nature Reserve

A steep woodland gorge cuts through Monmouthshire's countryside, and Ban-y-Gor Nature Reserve is where you actually feel that geology doing its work. The Afon Tŵrch has carved a proper ravine here - towering trees press in from both sides, the stream runs clear below, and the whole thing has that slightly primeval quality you don't often get so close to Lydney.

It's a walker's spot, no question about it. The paths wind through the woodland with plenty of scrambles and root-dodging to keep things interesting rather than just peaceful. The gorge walls are dramatic without being Alpine, and in spring the bank opposite is thick with bluebells. Allow a good couple of hours if you're doing the full circuit - it's not a quick dash.

Families with older kids will manage fine. Younger ones might find the uneven ground fiddly, and there's water everywhere so you'll need to keep eyes open. It's free to access, which is a nice touch, though the car park situation isn't always clear.

If you're basing yourself at Penhein Glamping just down the road, this is absolutely worth slotting into a morning. It's different enough from the rolling parkland you might find elsewhere in the area - less manicured, more alive. The woodland canopy does mean it stays damp underfoot even days after rain, so proper boots aren't optional here.