Forest bathing at Tirpentwys Local Nature Reserve

Tirpentwys is a Local Nature Reserve on the former colliery and landfill site above Pontnewynydd, owned and managed by Torfaen County Borough Council. Nature has taken it back: there is grassland, ponds, old quarries and streams, including the Nant Ffrwd-oer, and alongside them a striking ancient beech woodland. It is an interesting mix of the valleys' industrial past and much older trees, side by side on one hillside.

The council describes the reserve as flat, with easy access, and it is family friendly, which makes it one of the gentler places in Torfaen to walk slowly. The entrance is on the road that climbs from Pontnewynydd Industrial Estate towards Pantygasseg. Head for the beech wood for shade and quiet, and stop by the stream on the way. Bring what you need, as there is little in the way of visitor facilities, and keep to the paths around the old quarries.