Wales’s natural beauty comes as no surprise to most. With the Brecon Beacons to the south, and Snowdonia in the north, the country is bookended by two of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the entire UK.

But between them lies mid Wales, a place of valleys, carving river gorges, and hill tops rising into the clouds.

Retreating to the woods

And amongst them you’ll find Black Covert Woodland, sat with the waters of the River Ystwyth flowing by.

There are two main walks you can choose from when you arrive, Riverside Walk and Birchgrove Walk. The first takes you alongside the Ystwyth river, before leading you back through a woodland that’s beauty changes throughout the year.

In summer the refreshing breeze washes up over you like a blanket of fine mist, tempting you to dip your toes in and take a break.

Then in winter, with the leaves plastering the ground, the sound of running water fills the entire woodland, cutting between the empty branches.

Simply being in the woods is one of the easiest ways to find a moment of peace, but couple that with the sounds and smells of the river flowing by and the whole experience becomes something more.

Discovering ancient history along the way

On the Birchgrove Walk you’ll be met by the slightly more placid waters of a pond before climbing your way to the 2000-year-old Allt-Fedw hill fort.

It’s a tough trail, including a fair few climbs and descents along a distance covering just over two miles. So be prepared with plenty of water and a few snacks to keep you powered up for the trip.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the woodland is by following the B4340 down from Aberystwyth to Trawsgoed, then taking a right turn and following the sign for Llanilar B4575 just after going through Abermagwr.

Then take an immediate left and another soon after and you’ll be parking up the car in no time; ready to begin your adventure.