Forest bathing at Coed y Brenin Forest Park

Coed y Brenin is a large forest park in Eryri National Park, eight miles north of Dolgellau, where the Eden, Mawddach, Gain and Wen rivers run through the trees. It was Britain's first purpose-built mountain biking centre, but walkers are well served too. The forest holds layers of history: the Roman road Sarn Helen, medieval iron bloomeries and the Gwynfynydd gold mine. Among the Douglas firs stands the King, the tallest tree in the forest.

From the visitor centre, the Afon Eden Trail is the gentle choice: a well surfaced riverside path suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. The Cefndeuddwr Trail climbs a little to a viewpoint and picnic spot. For a longer outing, the Gain Waterfall Trail reaches twin falls where the Gain meets the Mawddach, on uneven, muddy paths with rock steps. Bike trails also start here, so keep an ear out on shared routes. The café has closed; toilets remain open.