Garth wood

Garth Wood sits inland from Aberystwyth, a proper stretch of forest where you can lose the crowds that clog the seafront. It's dense Welsh woodland - the kind with uneven paths, moss-covered rocks, and the sort of quiet that makes you remember why you came to mid-Wales in the first place.

There's no obvious visitor centre or marked trails that I could find, which is either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood. It feels less managed than the big Ceredigion forests, more like you're wandering through someone's back garden. The trees are tall enough to make you feel properly surrounded, and in autumn the light cuts through in that golden way that keeps photographers busy.

Walkers will get the most from this - bring decent boots because the ground gets boggy. It's not a destination on its own; you'd slot it in as a morning wander if you're basing yourself near Aberystwyth. Kids might last an hour before asking if you're nearly done, unless they're the type who genuinely enjoy poking around in leaf litter.

If you're staying at Pengarreg Caravan Park just down the road, this is a handy stretch to work off energy without driving somewhere. It won't blow your mind, but it's the sort of place that justifies the effort when you stumble across a quiet spot and sit for twenty minutes listening to nothing but birds and wind.