Explore by Paw

It's not every day you stumble across something genuinely original in the Welsh countryside. Explore by Paw, near Chepstow, is exactly what it sounds like - a place where you navigate the landscape on animal-back, which means either a horse, donkey, or llama depending on what takes your fancy. The whole thing operates on a proper adventure logic: you're not stuck in a ring doing circles; you're out exploring actual terrain around Monmouthshire.

This works brilliantly for families with children old enough to handle themselves in a saddle - so maybe eight and up, though the owners will advise. Kids absolutely light up when given genuine responsibility for an animal. It's low-key enough that nervous riders won't feel pressured, but engaging enough that experienced ones won't feel bored. Adults do fine here too, particularly if they're after something more interactive than your standard pony trek.

The llama walking angle is genuinely different and surprisingly good for walkers who want a gentle pace with some personality thrown in. You're not fighting the animal; you're having a mate along for the journey. That changes the whole vibe.

You'll want to allow a good two to three hours minimum. Wear proper footwear and check the weather - Monmouthshire mud is proper thick. It's the sort of place that works well as part of a longer stay, especially if you're based at Penhein Glamping just down the road. Combine it with walks along the Wye Valley or Tintern Abbey to make a proper day of it. Ring ahead about rates and availability - places like this run on a more bespoke basis than your standard attractions.