Forest bathing at Fforest Fawr

Fforest Fawr is a mixed woodland on the hill above Tongwynlais, on the northern edge of Cardiff. Castell Coch rises out of its beech woods, and much of the forest is ancient woodland, with a conifer plantation being cleared to bring back broadleaved trees. Along the paths you pass overgrown mounds and hollows left by old iron mining. In spring there are patches of bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic.

Most people start at the free Fforest Fawr car park on Heol y Fforest, or at the Castell Coch car park lower down. The Sculpture Discovery Trail is the family favourite, so for quieter time try Sir Henry's Trail, which links the two car parks, or the Three Bears Cave Walk past the fenced remains of an old mine. All the trails are waymarked. In August look out for silver-washed fritillary butterflies in the glades. The Taff Trail also runs through the wood.