Forest bathing at Crychan Forest

Crychan Forest lies between Bannau Brycheiniog and the Cambrian Mountains, north east of Llandovery. The Forestry Commission bought the hill farms here in the 1930s and planted trees, and old tracks that once linked the farms still run through it, past a few ruined dwellings. Today it is a mix of conifers with oak, ash, beech and hazel, home to goshawks, buzzards, red kites and roe deer. It sees far fewer visitors than the national parks either side.

Several small free car parks give a choice of walks. From Esgair Fwyog, a waymarked trail of about four miles takes in long views down the Tywi valley, a secluded stream in Cwm Crychan and an almost hidden waterfall, before a gentle climb back. Halfway, just off the A40, is the easiest car park to reach and has trails beside a stream. Horse riders use the forest too, so expect hoofprints on the tracks.