Cleddau Woodlands

The Cleddau river valley holds some of Pembrokeshire's best woodland walks, and Cleddau Woodlands delivers proper old-school forest tramping without the crowds you'll find elsewhere. You're walking through mature mixed woodland - oak, ash, beech - following the river as it winds through steep-sided valleys. The paths are well-maintained but undeniably muddy after rain, so proper boots matter.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a quick stroll - allow two to three hours for a decent circuit - and the terrain has enough gradient to keep things interesting. History buffs might enjoy tracing the old industrial heritage along the valley, though the woodland itself is the draw rather than any particular landmarks. Children need to be reasonably confident on their feet; it's not a push-chair job and younger kids can find the longer routes tedious.

There's no charge and no facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Spring brings bluebells, autumn offers proper colour, and winter walks when the canopy's bare show the valley's skeleton nicely. The nearest town is Haverfordwest, about six miles north.

If you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Holly Tree Glamping or Oaklea are closest at under three miles - this makes an excellent half-day outing. It pairs well with walks around Newgale or visits to Tenby's beaches, breaking up a holiday nicely. The woodland's genuine and unpretentious. Worth the drive from Haverfordwest.