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Anglesey
Cemlyn and Cemaes
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The stretch of coast at Cemaes, on the north of Anglesey, is designated a Heritage Coast because of its unspoilt beauty. The lagoon at Cemlyn, with its winter wildfowl, is perfect for birdwatchers. The cliffs are popular with keen geologists, as they reveal fascinating rock structures. Both sites are on the coastal path around Anglesey.
OS grid reference - SH375937
Brecon Beacons
Pen Y Fan massif
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The Brecon Beacons is one of the best known countryside sites in Wales. At its heart lies Pen Y Fan - the highest peak in Southern Britain. From the summit, you can see as far as North Devon. There are also sensational valleys, tumbling streams and wildlife-rich moorland to explore. Henrhyd Falls and Graigllech Woods reward you with stunning vistas of waterfalls, woodland and a dramatic gorge.
Sugar Loaf
© Hugh McCann
The Sugar Loaf mountain is named after the locally produced sugar loaves which were a similar shape. Perhaps its most notable feature is the wide variety of flora and fauna growing on the slopes. For impressive views of the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains, a walk through the nearby oak woods to the grassy summit of Skirrid Fawr is both satisfying and invigorating.
OS grid reference - SO268167
Cardigan Bay
Mwnt and Penbryn beaches
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
If you're interested in wildlife, a visit to the popular beaches of Mwnt or Penbryn is a must, and a chance to spot bottle-nosed dolphins or grey seals. Penbryn is known locally as Robber's Valley, due to its smuggling past, and Mwnt was the site of a Fleming Invasion during 1155 (the Welsh won!).
OS grid references - SN190520 & SN295519
Carmarthenshire
Cothi Valley
© NTPL / David Levenson
The sumptuous Cothi Valley is home to the Dolaucothi Roman Gold Mines. The area itself is a real gem, which can be enjoyed on a walk around the estate. The oak and alder woods, thick with mosses and lichens, are home to many breeding birds and the occasional red kite.
Dinefwr and Paxton's Tower
© NTPL / Andrew Butler
One of the most spectacular vistas in Carmarthenshire can be found from Paxton's Tower. From the top of the folly, you are rewarded with views of the surrounding countryside. Dominating the landscape is the Dinefwr estate, with its ancient woodland, deer park and flood pastures that are home to many water fowl (including ten percent of Britain's White Fronted Geese).
OS grid reference - SN615225
Gower Peninsula
Rhossili Bay
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
At the tip of the Gower Peninsula is the sweeping bay of Rhossili. With the bones of a shipwreck and the tidal island of Worm's Head revealed at low tide, the best way to take it all in is to follow the 200m climb above the bay to Rhossili Down Commons. From here, the views are simply magnificent. The Commons also boast prehistoric stone circles, cairns and burial chambers.
Llyn Peninsula
Porthor
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The tranquil sandy coastline of Porthor is a must if you're in this part of the world. A 3ml path from the beach will take you to the high headlands and cliffs at Anelog. From here on a clear day you can see Snowdonia, Anglesey and even Ireland. The beach at Porthor is known as the Whistling Sands, due to the squeaking noise the sand makes underfoot.
OS grid reference - SH166298
Mid-Wales
Abergwesyn Common
© NT / Nature Conservation
The grass and heather covered plateau of Abergwesyn Common is dissected by a deep river valley. The Common has a fascinating variety of archaeological features, including at least 50 prehistoric cairns.
OS grid reference - SN841551 - 967620
Dinas Oleu
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
Just above the town of Barmouth is Dinas Oleu, a coastal hillside and the very first property passed to the National Trust. From here, walkers can enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding area.
OS grid reference - SM615160
Pembrokeshire coast
Stackpole Estate
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The Stackpole Estate includes a massive area of exhilarating coastline, ranging from cliffs and headlands to beautiful beaches. Head inland and you'll find woodland and lakes which are part of the Stackpole National Nature Reserve, where the resident wildlife includes otters, herons and bats.
St David's Peninsula
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The magnificent coastline of St David's Peninsula speaks for itself. The breathtaking sight of the rugged coastline is complemented by idyllic harbours. The flora and fauna is abundant, ranging from heather covered slopes to heath-spotted orchids and wild chives.
Snowdonia
Aberglaslyn and Nantgwynant
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
Explore the Aberglaslyn and Nantgwynant valleys and you'll encounter fast flowing rivers, wooded slopes, heather moorland and rugged heathland all brimming with wildlife. The two valleys meet at the historic village of Beddgelert, overlooked by Mount Snowdon. For something slightly different, there are woodland gardens and an activity centre at Craflwyn, on the outskirts of Beddgelert.
Carneddau and Glyderau
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The mountains and valleys of Glyderau and Carneddau provide an excellent chance to sample the variety that Snowdonia has to offer. A day out here promises moorland and farmland scenery, and lakes including Llyn Idwal which sits at 373m above sea level in the Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve.
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