Forest bathing at Pwll-y-Wrach

Pwll-y-Wrach is a 17-hectare reserve of mixed deciduous woodland in a stream valley just outside Talgarth, in the Brecon Beacons. The tree mix is unusually rich: sessile oak, ash, alder, hazel, field maple, wych elm, rowan, holly, spindle and guelder rose among others. In early spring the floor is white with wood anemones and lesser celandines, followed by bluebells and wild garlic. Dormice live here, and dippers and otters use the river.

Parking on site is very limited, so the Trust suggests using the free car park in Talgarth and walking out. From the entrance a gravelled path, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, leads to a bench; beyond that paths are uneven, sometimes muddy and have steps. A rougher path leads to the main waterfall, and steps above it complete a circuit past the old quarry. Spring and early summer are the best times to come. Keep dogs on a lead.