Eithin-y-gaer Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a tourist attraction, Eithin-y-gaer Wood sits just outside Montgomery in Powys and rewards those willing to leave the main paths. The forest is mixed deciduous - oak, ash, and birch mostly - with a stream running through that's genuinely lovely in spring when the water's high and the banks turn green almost overnight.

You'll want sturdy boots. The ground gets boggy in places, especially after rain, and there's no marked trail to speak of, which means you're either navigating by phone map or just wandering. That sounds chaotic but it's actually why people come here - no crowds, no cafe, no visitor centre lecturing you about native species.

Walkers will get the most from this place. It's perfect for a two-hour ramble if you're based at one of the nearby pods or caravan parks - Camlad Valley Luxury Pods is barely half a mile away, which makes it convenient without making the wood feel overrun. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming after the first hour. There's no dramatic viewpoint, no waterfall, just trees and the sound of water.

Admission is free and there's no visitor infrastructure, which keeps it quiet. Late spring or early autumn are best - summer brings midges and it gets muggy; winter makes the paths treacherous. The wood works well as part of a broader Montgomery walk, maybe combining it with a wander round the town's castle ruins rather than making it a standalone destination.