OUT AND ABOUT a sound reaction

The Gwaun Valley begins in Fishguard, where the namesake river runs into the sea. It is easily reached by road and footpath. For most of its 10 miles, it is within the confines of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The valley is pure rural idyll, thick with beech and hazel, ash and oak. For a short walk, you could park at Lower Town, Fishguard and walk up the wooded valley.

2. St David’s Head coastal walk, Pembrokeshire

The Pembrokeshire coast is a blaze of pink, yellow and white flowers in spring with daffodils, gorse and pink thrift growing along the path and hedgebanks.

The National Trust’s rugged circular walk starts from Whitesands beach car park and guides you past the backdrop of Carn Llidi, prehistoric monuments and coastal wildlife.

3. Ridgetop Trail, Aberystwyth

Climb up and you’ll get your reward with a stunning view when you take the three mile trail starting out from the visitor centre car park.

On the route is a stone viewpoint with panoramic views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains.

There are lots of well-defined paths, but with a number of long and steep climbs and descents to test your resolve.

4. Menai Strait wildlife and woodland walk, Anglesey

Explore the walled woodland that is Glan Faenol and perhaps catch a glimpse of a seal in the Menai Strait. This walk features varied native woodland and ancient parkland with views of the house and gardens at Plas Newydd and the hills of Snowdonia. Plas Newydd Gardens and its historic home are good to explore after you’ve finished your walk.

5. Carreg Cennen, Llandeilo

Approximately 5.5 miles long, the dramatic Carreg Cennen Castle is the start and focal point of this stunning walk, but it’s far from the only highlight. From the castle, the route drops down to cross the river Cennen then rises back up through woods and fields onto open moorland.

It also features the intriguing Llygad Llwchwr, (the Eye of the Loughor), the source of the river where it emerges after flowing for around four or five miles underground.

6. Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

One of Wales’ best natural attractions, a leisurely spring stroll will take you via carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils with swathes of camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and azaleas at Colby Woodland Garden.

7. The Wye Valley

There are plenty of walks available in the valley, which offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales along the course of one of Britain’s cleanest rivers, alive with salmon and trout. Look over the magnificent ruins of Tintern Abbey, passing through dramatic gorges and woodland rich in wildlife. One (long) option would be to start at Chepstow and finish at Monmouth. A shorter choice would be to walk from Whitebrook to the abbey.

8. Bosherston Lily Ponds, Pembrokeshire

There’s an easy walk around Bosherston’s beautiful lily ponds, with options to explore the dunes