Olchfa Wood

Ancient oaks tower above muddy tracks that wind through this patch of old-growth woodland, just far enough from Swansea's sprawl to feel properly wild. The trees here have been standing for decades, creating a canopy thick enough to muffle the distant hum of the M4.

Dog walkers make up most of the regular visitors, along with local families who know the quieter paths that lead to a small stream. Kids love scrambling over fallen logs and hunting for interesting stones, though the terrain gets boggy after rain so wellies are essential. The wood isn't signposted particularly well - you'll spot a small gap in the roadside hedge rather than any grand entrance.

Walkers looking for proper exercise might find it a bit limited, as the main circuit takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. But for families staying at nearby Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park or the sites around Gowerton, it's a lovely spot for an hour's wander when the beach feels too windswept. Early morning visits reward you with better bird spotting and fewer mountain bikers cutting through on unofficial trails.

Free to explore whenever you fancy, though parking along the roadside can be tight during weekends. The wood works well as a quick nature fix before heading to the Gower Peninsula's more dramatic coastline.