27 Walks/40 pages

North and Mid Wales are blessed with some fantastic tracts of woodland. This is especially so in Mid Wales, away from the rugged grandeur of the mountains of the North. Here the many deep valleys and tumbling streams give trees the ideal habitat for growth. You will find both deciduous and coniferous varieties with one of the most amazing trees being the indigenous Sessile Oak. Whilst tending not to be very tall they counter this by having many contorted branches. Looking surreal in certain lighting conditions they seem to be from an alien land. The woods sport lovely wild flowers, especially in spring. In autumn the colours in deciduous woods are vibrant. Fungi and mushrooms are very common whilst in the more dense woods ferns and mosses, of many different types, flourish in the damp atmosphere. Misty sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches gives a mystical aura of a far off land. Woodlands give shade in hot weather when they become a good alternative to open hillsides, sheltering the walker from the sun's heat. It is not unusual to see squirrels, weasels or badgers along with many different species of birds as you walk. But take care, walking through woodland during or after a period of wet weather renders the ground, tree roots and stones slippery for a long time afterwards. Some of the woods mask quarry and mine workings, hiding the scars of a bygone age. Although usually signed as dangerous it is very important not to enter any of these workings as they are unstable and often have decaying machinery littering the floor. Whatever your level of fitness you will find, in these pages, walks to suit all abilities and tastes. It is not uncommon to have the routes entirely to yourself. All the walks follow rights of way and have been checked individually.