Forest bathing at Carmel National Nature Reserve

Carmel is a small National Nature Reserve of ancient, deciduous woodland in a limestone valley a few miles south west of Llandeilo. Limestone has been dug here since the Middle Ages, and a disused quarry now gives wide views over the surrounding country. The wood itself is old and varied, and in spring the floor fills with bluebells. Because the car park only takes a handful of cars, it rarely feels busy.

The waymarked Quarry Trail is a circular walk of a little over a mile, but it is not an easy stroll: there is a steep climb at the start, steep steps at the end, and loose stone underfoot, so wear boots. Two viewpoints have benches, which make natural places to stop and sit for a while. Quarry edges are dangerous, so keep to the paths. Come in April or May for the bluebells, or on a still autumn day when the wood is quiet.