Forest bathing at Elan Valley, Cnwch Woods

The Elan Valley near Rhayader is a chain of reservoirs and dams among hills and old woodland; the Elan Valley woodlands are owned and managed by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Cnwch Woods link directly to the visitor centre, and the short Cnwch loop takes you among ancient oaks with plenty of birds. Penbont Woods, further up the valley, has a flat gravel path where dippers, redstarts and flycatchers are often seen.

Start at the visitor centre, which has a café, maps and walk guides, and take the Cnwch Woods loop: about 0.8 miles and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. For a longer day the Garreg Ddu loop runs through woodland and fields for around six miles and can be wet underfoot. The Elan Valley Trail, on the old railway line from Rhayader, is level and accessible if you want to walk in. Swimming and boating on the reservoirs are not allowed.