Forest bathing at Black Covert

Black Covert is a quiet woodland beside the River Ystwyth in a steep-sided valley inland from Aberystwyth. It was once part of the Trawsgoed estate, and its name comes from a covert, a patch of woodland kept for raising game birds. Today it is mostly beech, with ash, birch and sweet chestnut sheltering the picnic area, and bluebells under the beeches in spring.

The Ystwyth Riverside Walk is the gentle option: mainly level, about a mile and three quarters, though the path is rough and can be wet, with roots and a few steps. It is a good place to walk slowly with the sound of the river beside you. The Birch Grove Woodland Walk climbs to a viewpoint at the Iron Age hillfort of Allt Fedw; a short part is blocked by fallen trees at present, with access along the road. Parking is free.