Forest bathing at Wentwood

Wentwood is part of the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales, a forest of over 1,000 hectares on the ridge north-east of Newport. It was once the hunting preserve of Chepstow Castle, and Bronze Age burial mounds sit on the ridge tops. Most of the native trees were felled in the 20th century and replaced with conifers, but the Woodland Trust and Natural Resources Wales are thinning them so native broadleaves can return. Look out for the ancient Curley Oak.

The two main entrances are Foresters' Oaks car park, run by Newport City Council above Wentwood reservoir, and the free Cadira Beeches car park a little further along the Usk road. A waymarked network of tracks and footpaths runs from both, with some short, steep climbs and mud in winter. In spring the paths are lined with bluebells, and you may pass wood ant nests up to four feet high. There are no toilets, so come prepared.