Natural Resources Wales highlights its top pick of places for an autumn walk

As the October half term holiday approaches, Natural Resources Wales has highlighted five of the woodlands and nature reserves it manages across Wales where people of all ages can enjoy a walk full of seasonal colour this autumn.

The walks include shorter, level woodland walks ideal for families with young children and a steep climb to a viewpoint in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Every walk is waymarked and graded to give an indication of its difficulty, and there is an information panel at the start of the route.

Mary Galliers, NRW’s Specialist Advisor, Estate Recreation and Access Promotion said:

“The air is crisp and the colours are sharp in autumn, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy spectacular views and stunning scenery.

“Autumn is also a great time for visiting sites that have been busier during the summer months.

“The best way to appreciate the array of seasonal colours is on foot but an autumn walk isn’t just for enjoyment; people who are active and enjoy the outdoors are more likely to have longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Here are NRW’s five picks for an autumn walk:

• Savour views of the Conwy Valley clothed in seasonal colours on the Lady Mary’s Walk, near Llanrwst
• Enjoy autumn’s rich palette on the walk through Crychan Forest on the Nant y Dresglen Trail, near Llandovery
• Climb through heather and bilberry to a cairn with views of Pen y Fan on the Bluestone Walk, Craig Cerrig Gleisiad a Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve, near Brecon
• Soak up the autumn colours from the viewpoints over the Wye Valley on the Wonders of Whitestone, near Chepstow
• Immerse yourself in the burnished hues of red oak and beech trees on the Minwear Walk, near Haverfordwest               

NRW encourages people to check the web page for the woodland or reserve before they set out, and to visit responsibly by following the Countryside Code.

For more information about these five walks or information about visiting other woodlands and National Nature Reserves managed by NRW go to: www.naturalresources.wales/autumn-walks