Where to go · Vale of Glamorgan
Forest bathing at Hensol Forest
A mixed broadleaf and conifer forest around Pysgodlyn Mawr lake, north of Welsh St Donats, with an extensive network of paths.
Hensol Forest is a mixed wood of about 91 hectares east of Welsh St Donats, managed by Natural Resources Wales and part of the National Forest for Wales. Deciduous trees and conifers grow side by side, and at its heart is Pysgodlyn Mawr, a lake protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its range of habitats. Walkers and horse riders share an extensive network of paths.
The usual way in is the forestry car park north of Welsh St Donats, which is also the start of the Vale of Glamorgan Council's seven mile Vale Trail 8. You do not need to do the whole route; walk in as far as suits you and come back the same way, stopping by the lake if you reach it. The ground undulates, there are stiles, and some parts are boggy even in summer, so wear boots.
Practical
- Managed by
- Natural Resources Wales
- Parking
- Forestry car park north of Welsh St Donats
- Terrain
- Forest tracks and paths; undulating, boggy in places
- Opening and entry
- Open access, free
- Official page
- woodlandtrust.org.uk
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
Guides nearby
A guide within 15 miles of Hensol Forest
More woodlands in Vale of Glamorgan
All venues in Vale of Glamorgan
Cosmeston Lakes Country ParkQuarry lakes, meadow and woodland near Penarth, with easy level paths
Dyffryn GardensNational Trust garden with a 22 acre arboretum of trees from around the world
Porthkerry Country ParkSheltered wooded valley under a railway viaduct, running down to a pebble beachPhotos: Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Dominic Nelson (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dyffryn Gardens, Ruth Sharville (CC BY-SA 2.0); Porthkerry Country Park, Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA 2.0).