A WOODLAND walk near Llandovery has been listed among the top 10 autumn walks in Wales.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has chosen its top 10 autumn walks – so, whether you’re a seasoned walker or just fancy a stroll with family and friends and whether you prefer woodlands, moorlands or beaches, there will be somewhere for you to discover.
The Pont Annell trail is a mile-long circular walk through the Caio Forest – part of the richly varied woodland in the area – which is described as ‘a pleasant walk up through the forest which crosses a bridge over the stream’.
Other walks recommended by NRW include several in neighbouring Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Mary Galliers, NRW’s Recreation Marketing and Tourism Officer, said: “Our sites offer every kind of spectacular display that this time of the year has to offer. From the golds, reds and browns of the turning leaves still on the trees to the rusts and yellows of grasslands and the purples and reds of bogs and moorlands.
“Autumn is a great time for visiting places that have been busier during the summer months so that you can enjoy the once crowded beaches or splash in puddles and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot in peaceful woodlands.
“Look out for unusual fungi and late flowering plants in sand dunes, and mosses and lichens along riverside paths.
“As well as enjoying a great day out, you will be doing your health good, too, as people who are active and enjoy the outdoors are more likely to have longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Amongst the top 10 is the Elidir Trail in Pont Melin-fach, near Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons National Park. In the heart of Waterfall Country, the falls can be spectacular after heavy rain.
Along the trail, according to folkore, is the entrance to the fairy kingdom. But even it you don’t spot a fairy, you’ll see plenty of mosses, ferns and lichens along the way!
Trees from around the world line the Forest Garden Discovery Trail in Coed y Brenin Forest Park near Dolgellau. Finding the name labels and fascinating fact signs can be a great game for younger walkers and a great place to visit during half term.
The vast wetland at Cors Caron National Nature Reserve near Tregaron is a dramatic sight at any time of year but its colours really come into their own in the autumn. It is a fantastic place for wildlife, too, and on warmer days you may see dragonflies and damselflies darting over the water or even a lizard or an adder basking on the boardwalk in the last of the year’s sunshine.
Our top ten autumn walks include several shorter walks suitable for families with young children. Every route is waymarked and takes you through either a woodland or a National Nature Reserve that is managed by Natural Resources Wales.
Some of these sites also have visitor centres and cafes where you can find out more about what you’ve seen and enjoy a warming cuppa!
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