Forest bathing at Cwmtillery Lakes

Cwmtillery Lakes sit in the wooded upper Tyleri valley just north of Abertillery. The lower lake was once a feeder pond for Cwmtillery Colliery, sunk in 1850, and is now a Local Nature Reserve and Green Flag site with wildfowl on the water and sculptures that recall the mining years. Tree cover runs around the shoreline, and Roseheyworth Community Woodland, a council-owned wood of about 20 hectares, lies close by with its own trails.

Start from the car park on the eastern bank of the lower lake, where the information panels are. A well-kept path circles the water and makes an easy start; from there the Horse Shoe Bend walk and longer routes climb gradually through woodland onto open hillside with views back down the valley. The lakes are popular with anglers and families, so for quieter time head up the valley or along the woodland edge rather than staying by the car park.