This June we’ll be taking part in The Wildlife Trust’s #30dayswild; we’ll be challenging ourselves to do something wild every day and we’d love you to join in too.
The plan is to do a daily blog to share our Random Acts of Wildness with you, give you some ideas and things to try..
The Highway Rat Trail at Beechenhurst is a well-marked, woodland activity trail on accessible, yet muddy in the rain, tracks (please note; not all of the activity boards are accessible). The tall trees offer shelter from the rain and shade from the sun; there is a whole host of facilities at the visitor centre including toilets, cafe, seating and a playground. There is a charge for parking at this site.
The Highway Rat Trail
Distance: almost a mile
Time: 20 mins ( it took us just over an hour, stopping at the activity boards)
(Apologies for the poor quality photographs – it seems I had a shaky hand on this day!)
Guide
From the car park walk towards the visitor centre to start the trail.
From here you should be able to see the Highway Rat signs..
.. which lead to the start of the trail.
Look out for familiar faces along the way.
Take care crossing this road and go through the gate straight ahead.
Here you’ll find the first board.
Onwards up the hill.
You might need a walking stick?
Watch out on the right for the next trail board and post for rubbing (you could take paper and crayons for rubbings).
Further up the hill..
.. we spent quite a while taking a closer look at the roots of a tree that has fallen over.
Behind the next trail board were some fantastic dens, we had to stop and explore.
Carry straight on at this junction and down into the woods.
The track here was a little muddier so may not be great for wheels in wetter weather.
At the next trail board our adventurer really engaged with the building a spider web activity..
Down the hill and left at the junction.
Keep an eye out for familiar faces on the right.
Onwards to the next trail board.
Right at this junction and up the hill.
Keep an eye out for an activity board in the trees.
Go right at the next junction, back down the hill to the finish!
We went back to the visitor centre to try out the playground (and the hot chocolate!)
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The OS grid reference is SO614120.
The Highway Rat Trail at Beechenhurst lodge is a Forestry Commission site – look here for more information.
Directions (from website): Follow tourist signs for the Forest of Dean. Take the B4226 Coleford to Cinderford road. Beechenhurst is located between the B4234 crossroads (Parkend/Lydbrook) and the Speech House Hotel. , Please don’t use our postcode in your Sat Nav! It will take you to Broadwell near Coleford, this is on the B4226 but a few minutes drive away from Beechenhurst.
Cwmdeuddwr is a circular, wildlife watching wander around Rhayader town. It is a great walk for any weather and although around a mile there is open space and a park for extra running. This wander uses footpaths, pavement, quiet roads and fields – there are steps so it is not suitable for pushchairs and smaller adventurers might need a hand. There is free parking, toilets en route and amenities in the town. N.B. the park and river area can be accessed via a different entrance that doesn’t involve steps.
Cwmdeuddwr Wildlife Walk
Distance: one mile
Time: half an hour (it took us 1hr 20mins with playing in the river and at the park)
Guide
In the bottom right corner of the car park is an information sign, head towards this.
Follow the footpath and the green Wildlife Walk arrows.
Look out for the bench on the right as you go around the corner – fab views across Rhayader.
Continue along the footpath until you reach a small building.
We saw some beautiful snowdrops.
Wander around the side of the building and follow Station Road downhill to the right.
At the t-junction turn right and walk along the pavement. Cross over the road towards the toilets – clearly signposted.
Continue towards the toilets (white building) then head left take the steps that go behind them, down towards the river.
We had lots of fun splashing and paddling in the river. Little legs might need a hand getting down the bank.
When you’ve had your fill of splashing follow the arrows and path along the river bank.
Go straight on at this junction to reach a lovely viewpoint and bench… this was under a fallen tree when we visited, great for exploring!!
Turn around and head back to the junction where you will turn left.
We took a closer look at the different kinds of buds on the trees.
Follow the path past the information sign and towards the swings..
And have a swing, of course!
When you can tear yourself away from the swings (it took us a while!) go through the gate out of the park, next to another information sign..
..then do a u-turn and continue along the lane parallel with the path you have just walked on in the park. Cars do use this road.
Sniff all of the flowers…
Row through all of the puddles…
Stay on the road, around a bend and up a hill with the church yard on your right.
Hedgerows are great for nature spotting, we saw a lot of catkins. Our adventurer loves catkins!
When you reach the gate into the field, take a moment to turn around and admire the view behind you.
And sniff some more flowers?
Through the gate and straight down the hill – it is a little bit steep and younger adventurers will probably need a steadying hand.
Head for the gate into the churchyard in the bottom left corner of the field…
.. and continue through the churchyard.
Just outside the gate is information about the kind of wildlife you might see in the churchyard.
And another information board about Rhayader on the building to the left.
When you reach the road cross over to the other side and wander back until you reach the car park entrance.
The areas to the side are designated Wildlife Area’s, so keep an eye out for any interesting residents.
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The OS grid reference is SN966678.
The Cwmdeuddwr Wildlife Walk is the result of the collaboration of a number of local initiatives to promote Rhayader. There is a leaflet detailing the walk and the wildlife that gives hints and tips for wildlife spotting.
Directions: From the clock tower at the centre of Rhayader head down Bridge Street (B4518). Go over the bridge and take the second turning on the right, signposted Elan Valley Trail parking.
Mallards Pike is a level, lakeside, loop with wide accessible paths suitable for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. It is sheltered beneath the trees and is perfect for little legs to try out off-roading; there are a number of longer routes should you feel more adventurous. The car park has a small charge and there are toilets and picnic benches onsite.
Lakeside Path
Distance: 2/3 of a mile
Time: around 15 mins (almost an hour for our adventure)
Guide
From the car park head down towards the toilets, information and picnic area.
Take the path to the left of the picnic benches along the lakeside…
… and wander next to the lake..
.. or through the trees.
Investigating and (carefully) taking a closer look with a handy Auntie or two.
At the top of the lake follow the path around to the right…
.. where there are fabulous views of the lake on both sides.
We spent some time playing poo-sticks and duck watching.
Before setting off down the other side of the lake and finding a really big stick.
Following the lakeside path we took time to look up at the trees; they look amazing when they are so straight and tall.
The path closely follows the edge of the lake.
The woods are fun for young and old(er)!
You can also keep an eye out for FODRocks around Mallards Pike. These are decorated pebbles left by lovely people for everyone to find and rehide around the Forest of Dean.
Over the bridge and round the corner with views looking back up the lake.
And lots of squishy mud!
Follow the path over this fantastic bridge..
..or very carefully paddle across (it was a bit slippy).
Then wander back along the path…
… to the picnic tables (food not included!)
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The map reference is SO 637093
Mallards Pike is a Forestry Commission site; lots more details on their website.
Directions (from website)
From the A48 at Blakeney take the Nibley to Parkend road. Mallards Pike is signposted on the right hand side after approximately three miles.
Llyn y March is a wild, undulating, moorland wander with fabulous views across the Wales/England border country. It is exposed and open on the hilltop so remember to dress for the weather and wait for a clear day if you want to see the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons standing tall in the distance. In the summer you could take a picnic and sit by the sheltered lake to take in the scenery. There is off road parking on grassy ground and lots of other tracks to explore if you’d like to adventure further; remembering a map and carrier for those little legs.
Llyn y March
Distance: almost 1.5 miles
Time: around an hour (a little bit longer if you stop at the lake)
Revisited
We popped back to Llyn-y-March on a gorgeous day as we knew the views would be outstanding… we were not disappointed. This is a wonderful hilltop wander that is perfect if you’re looking for a bit more wild on your walks. It filled us with joy to be standing on a hill, with the wind in our hair, looking far into the distance.
Guide
From the parking area; cross the road and wander straight up the grassy track opposite, heading up the hill.
It was a cloudy when we ventured out on our wander so you might need to use your imagination a bit (or plan your wander for a clear day!)… but in the distance you can see…
Herefordshire..
..the Brecon Beacons
and the Black Mountains.
Continue on the grassy track and over the brow of the hill.
There are some smaller tracks leading off to the sides – don’t take them.
Stay on the main grassy track, heading straight on, until this junction.
Follow the main track around to the left..
.. and then take the fist right hand track.
If you look across to your right you’ll see Llyn y March in the valley below.
Our adventurer had a great time looking in the grass; we’re not sure what for!
Keep wandering along the grassy track, up the gentle slope, along the side of the hill.
The track levels out at the brow of the hill and there is a big junction with lots of tracks meeting.
Take the lower right hand track that heads down towards the lake.
Follow this track down into the valley and around the lake.
As you begin to go up a small hill there is a track on your left leading down to the lake.
Here we met a lovely family with a remote control boat and spent a while watching it – the dogs were especially interested! We imagine this would be a great picnic spot in the summer.
When you have had your fill of lake adventures head back up the way you came and turn left at the main track.
This track will bring you back towards the road.
If you wish you can turn right and walk back up the road to the parking area. If you’d like a little bit more adventure then cross over the road and take the track to your right.
Continue along the grassy track until it goes down a dip, and then take the smaller, rougher track that goes off to the left which will lead you around the edge of another small pool.
Turn right at the stoney track and cross the small stream ( apologies for the quality of the following photos, operator malfunction…)
The parking area is visible at the top of the hill, keep going straight on!
Use this map to guide you on your way. Click to enlarge.
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The OS grid reference is SO 151 479.
This wander is located on Llanbedr Hill (also called Painscastle Hill), which is common land.
Directions: from the B4594 in Painscastle take the road signposted ‘Hundred House 7 miles’, next to the Roast Ox Inn.
After around 1.5 miles the fenced fields on your left end and open out into hillside.
Travel up a small hill and you will see a metal pole with a sign on your right and the grassy parking area.
Llandrindod Lake is a tried and tested, tarmac wander with level paths and a park. It is conveniently placed a short stroll from the town in a sheltered spot that protects from the worst of the weather (but not all of it!). This circular path is suitable for all with space for playing off-road and in the trees – some of the walk is next to a quiet road. There are lots of opportunities to extend the wander using footpaths, bridleways and local paths. At the lakeside you will find a car park, cafe and shop that sells small bags of bird seed for the extremely friendly ducks, geese and swans that call the lake their home.
Llandrindod Lake
Distance: 3/4 of a mile
Time: 15 mins (around 30 mins with an adventurer)
Guide
This wander is circular, and parking by the lake readily available, so it can really be started wherever you prefer.
We started our walk from the dedicated car park and walked anti-clockwise.
From the car park cross the road and wander towards the lakeside shop..
..saying hello to the residents as you pass. If you haven’t remembered your birdseed then pop into the shop where they sell small bags of seed for around 25p.
Follow the wide, tarmac pathway through the trees and along the edge of the lake.
And look out for the fabulous Llandoddy sculptures.
To the right of this section of path through the trees there is a large grassy area and a park, perfect for some off-road exploring.
Towards the end of the wide path is a ramped access point which allows you to get up close to the lake – hold on to the smaller adventurers, there isn’t a fence to prevent them going for a dip.
When you arrive at the iron gateway turn left along the pavement next to the road..
.. and follow this around the edge of the lake..
.. turning left at the next junction.
The Southern Viewpoint gives you fab views across the lake.
Our adventurer can’t help but get up close and personal with a tree…
While the ducks love to come and see what’s going on.. keep those bird seeds handy all the way round!
This part of the wander is next to a quiet road, there is a pavement all the way round.
Get even closer to the bird life along the jetty area. There are steps down and no fence so keep an eye on younger adventurers.
Our adventurer (and her Auntie) had great fun jumping off the tree stumps!!
On the opposite side of the road is the entrance to Llandrindod Lake Park Woodland Walk.
The path continues around the side of the lake and back towards the car park. please be aware the path runs very close to the edge of the lake without a boundary fence.
There are some beautiful views of the lake’s dragon sculpture.
Cors y Llyn is a level, accessible nature reserve wander that consists of grass tracks and a well maintained boardwalk. It is quite open in places so dress for the elements if it is particularly windy or sunny. This quiet reserve is only a few minutes off the A470 and has free onsite parking, great for stretching your legs on a long journey. Our adventure took us around the boardwalk loop, however there are also two footpaths linked to the site that could make your wander longer and more varied. We have included these on our map for you to take a look; please note, they are not suitable for pushchairs.
Cors y Llyn (boardwalk trail)
Distance: just under 1 mile
Time: 30 mins – it took us 50 mins with a wanderer
Revisited
As a short, level wander this was the perfect choice for our first outing after welcoming another wild child to the world – although this one seems a lot more relaxed! We visited on a cold afternoon and even though the sun was out, the boardwalk was icy. This reserve truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time with tiny trees stunted by the boggy conditions. Some of the boardwalk is covered in water and whilst it’s not deep, wellies or something waterproof up to the ankles is best.
Guide
From the car park walk past the information sign and go through the gate to the right hand side of the parking area. The gates on this site are suitable for use from a wheelchair too!
The first part of this trail is a grassy track which leads down to another gate.
Once you’re through this gate take the right hand track that will lead you around a lake area to another gate. This area is fenced off so little wanderers are safe to roam as they can’t get close to the water.
Next you will come to two gates. For the boardwalk take the left hand gate. The other gate leads to a footpath that can be followed to form another loop in your adventure, it goes through some bumpy fields (see map below).
Now you are on the boardwalk! This guide goes anti-clockwise. First you will wander through trees…
Then it becomes more open…
We had a fantastic time carefully touching the different plants that live at the edge of the bog and looking for wildlife. We saw a tiny frog and this amazing caterpillar…
There are a number of lovely seating areas around the boardwalk as well as passing places if you meet other families with wheels. Please be aware that you must stay on the boardwalk and not wander onto the bog.
When you complete the boardwalk circle your little adventurer may wish to go again, or you can head back around the lake towards the car park. At the next gate instead of heading straight home we wandered through the right-hand gate and onto the grassy bank.
This runs adjacent to the lake and is great for viewing any waterbirds that might be hiding – we saw a heron! This would be a wonderful place to have a picnic or sit down for a well earned rest. Please be aware that there isn’t a fence between the water and your little wanderer so don’t let them explore too close to the edge without an adult nearby. At the far end of this bank is a gate leading to a footpath, creating another short loop through an open field (see map).
Then finish your wander by strolling back to the parking area.
Use this map to guide you on your way. Click to enlarge.
First-nature have a super website with information about the Cors y Llyn from which I’ve taken the following directions.
Directions: If travelling from the north, you should drive through Newbridge on Wye and turn right onto the former A470 road immediately outside the village. This road now runs parallel with the new A470 road south towards Builth Wells.
Continue along this road for approximately 2.5km (1.5 miles) and look out for an unsigned right-hand turn (pictured below) with a cream cottage on the left hand side of the road (as you drive south).
If approaching from Builth Wells there is a left turn off the new A470 road signed towards Cwm Bach Llechryd. This takes you onto the former A470 and the NNR is then a left hand turn opposite the cottage pictured above.
Turn into the narrow lane and continue along it about 400m (1/4 mile), passing through a farmyard, until you reach the end of the road. There you will find a parking area.
Nunnery Wood is an accessible, signposted woodland wander with sculptures, stumps and fallen tree trunks ready for endless adventure. This wander is situated not far from the M5 so would make a great pit-stop on a journey; there is free parking, toilets, two adventure playgrounds and a great cafe on site too. The trees make for a sheltered walk suitable for almost any weather and there are lots of other trails if you’re looking for a longer walk although these are not all accessible for wheelchairs. We particularly like the outdoor dog-friendly seating area which has a roof meaning you can be dry and warm(ish) whatever the weather with your four legged friends.
Nunnery Wood
Distance: 2/3 of a mile
Time: around 40 mins (our adventure took just under an hour)
Guide
From the car park go past the information sign..
..towards the visitor centre..
..and follow the sign post across the zebra crossing into Nunnery Wood.
Around this trail keep an eye out for these way markers; an arrow with a leaf.
Follow the wide track through the trees.
Keep a look out for new friends around the woods.
The trail winds around the woodland down to a pond.
There are lots of climbing opportunities. Trees are fantastic!!
Continue along the trail, following the way markers with the arrow and leaf.
Our adventurer really got to know the trees here; she learns so much by investigating with her hands.
After crossing this bridge the trail turns to the right.
Our adventurer fancied a bit of off-roading…
For a short while the trail heads out of the woods – there is a path you can follow in the woods but it isn’t accessible for wheelchairs.
It soon goes back in and the trail continues back to the beginning.
During our visit we tried out both of the adventure playgrounds (they are brilliant) and the lovely cafe with its sheltered, dog-friendly outdoor area.
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The map reference is SO 877543.
Nunnery Wood is in Worcester Woods Country Park which is maintained and run by Worcestershire County Council. More information can be found on their website.
Directions (from the website):
From J7 of M5 follow A44 to Worcester (follow the brown and white tourist signs) at the roundabout turn right onto Swinesherd Way then 1st left onto Wildwood Drive.
From J6 of M5 follow A4538 to Evesham, (follow the brown and white tourist signs) turn right at 1st roundabout onto B4636 (to Worcester) then left at the next roundabout (Nunnery Way – A4440) and then right at the next roundabout onto Wildwood Drive.
Barcud Trail is a level, lakeside wander that is accessible to wheelchairs and features an animal puzzle trail to keep you guessing all the way round. It is sheltered by trees most of the way round however the site itself is high in the hills so will get both the best of the sun and the worst of the rain. Bwlch Nant yr Arian has a visitor centre that includes parking, toilets, a cafe, two playgrounds, a mountain bike trail and lots of bird feeders that are teaming with birds. There are also a large number of red kites that are fed everyday; you can watch from the bird hide or viewing point next to the lake.
N.B. We’d like to apologise if the photos look a bit odd – we accidentally took them with a pink filter so we’ve edited them to make them less.. pink!
Barcud Trail
Distance: around 2/3 of a mile
Time: around 50 mins (it took us almost 1 1/2 hrs after stopping to look and play!)
Guide
The beginning of the Barcud Trail is just to the right of the visitor centre if you’re looking from the car park. It’s clearly signposted.
We picked up our animal puzzle trail leaflet from here too. It has rhymes for children to guess the animal they’re looking for and a map to give you a rough idea of where they are around the lake… we won’t be giving any hiding places away in our blog!
Follow the zig-zagging path; keeping your eyes peeled for the first animal in the puzzle trail.
The trail continues around the edge of the lake with clear way-markers to show you the way. Remember to check your puzzle trail map to help you find the animals.
Stop and have a look across the lake for a view of the old slate mines.
There are lots of benches for resting legs dotted around the trail, information signs that tell you more about the red kites at Bwlch Nant yr Arain and tree identification posts.
Shhh… look who we spotted!
There are some fabulous views of the Cambrian Mountains over a second lake to the right of the trail.
At this junction turn left to get to the kite hide.
Here you’ll find lots of information about the red kites and other birds that live here.
What birds can you spot on the lake?
You’re now at the top end of the lake. Take a moment to stop and admire the scenery, it is simply beautiful here.
Our adventurer loves jumping off things – these tree stumps were perfect!
In fact, we sometimes have a hard time keeping her on a path at all; she’d much rather be off-road (in safe places).
The trail continues to hug the edge of the lake, bringing you to a jetty…
… with a magnificent backdrop.
The path now heads back towards the visitor centre, past a small shelter.
Here you’ll find birds of all shapes and sizes!
The Barcud Trail ends at when you arrive back at the visitor centre. Did you find all of the animals on the puzzle trail?
We’d also like to mention the viewing point that is on the opposite side of the car park to the visitor centre. From here there is an awe inspiring view down through the Cambrian Mountains to the sea in Cardigan Bay – it took our breath away.
Use this map to guide you on your way. Click to enlarge.
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The map reference is SN 717 813.
The Barcud Trail at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is a Natural Resources Wales site. More information is available on their website or this great leaflet about the Barcud Trail.
Directions: Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre is nine miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44.
Cors Abercamlo is a watery, wetland wander which winds around a boggy, woodland nature reserve. It is sheltered and offers some protection from the weather with a marked trail to follow and a bench to sit and look across the bog. This is a short, circular wander which is perfect for the littlest of legs who haven’t done much off-road walking as well as a wonderful place to explore wildlife; maybe with a magnifying glass or binoculars. Parking for this wander is on the side of a road and wellies are definitely recommended.
Cors Abercamlo
Distance: half a mile
Time: 30 mins (it took us 45mins after stopping to play and look)
Guide
From where you have parked go through the kissing gate, into the reserve and follow the path to the information sign.
From here you can turn left or right to follow the wooden markers with white tops on the circular trail – we went right, through a grassy field.
It was a VERY wet day when we visited (although the site is a bog so is probably quite wet most of the time!) Perfect for lots of splashing!!
The path goes through the woodland where we stopped to look at the catkins.
After continuing through the trees…
.. the path opens up.
We had a great time gently investigating frog spawn.
Continue to follow the markers back into the trees.
Some trees are just made for climbing – this one was perfect for our adventurers little legs.
As you wander around the edge of the bog you will cross a boardwalk, possibly spending ages running backwards and forwards across it (!), and encounter a bench to rest those worn out legs.
The post markers will now take you the short distance back to the beginning of the circle, bringing you out next to the information sign.
Use this map to guide you on your way. Click to enlarge.
Click on the map below to view it on ViewRanger.
The map reference is SO 074 650.
Cors Abercamlo is a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust site and they have some great information on their website including a leaflet about the site which the following directions are taken from.
Directions: From Crossgates roundabout, head towards Rhayader on the A44 for 0.7miles, then turn left after the red brick house onto the minor road signposted Llanyre. The reserve is on the left less than ¼ mile down the road. Park on the verge taking care not to obstruct gateways or the highway. The entrance is through the kissing gate next to the road.
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