Forest bathing at Gilfach Nature Reserve

Gilfach is a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust reserve in the Marteg valley, about four miles north of Rhayader. It is still a working hill farm, and centuries of traditional farming have left a mix of high moorland, enclosed meadows, oak woodland and a rocky upland river that runs down to meet the Wye. The traditional barns now house a small nature discovery centre. Watch the Marteg for dippers, and in November for leaping salmon.

Most people start at the Welcome Gateway car park and take the Marteg Valley Trail, which gives the best sense of the place. For trees, drive or walk on to the Old Farmyard and take the Oakwood Walk, about half an hour through the oaks. There is also an Easy Access Trail from the farmyard, though much of the terrain is rough and steep, and the Wyloer Hill Walk is a strenuous climb. Dogs must stay on a lead.