Our favourite hidden beauty spots you should visit this half term

The half term holidays bring plenty of crowds to many of Wales’s popular tourist destinations.

But if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle – we’ve got you covered.

Our TrawsCymru network can reach a great selection of hidden beauty spots, offering tranquillity and solitude in abundance.

Here’s our top five favourite secret escapes – accessible by TrawsCymru services – that we think are well worth a visit this half term.

Eagle’s Nest, Chepstow – T7

The Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Eagle’s Nest provides the perfect vantage point to gaze down across the incredible scenery below.

Catch the T7 bus to Chepstow and hop on the local 69 bus heading towards Monmouth. Hop off the bus at the stop which appears shortly after you pass the Lower Wyndcliff car park.

Head back to the Lower Wyndcliff car park and you’ll see signs pointing the way towards Eagle’s Nest.

It’s a bit of a strenuous walk but we promise the reward is very much worth it!

The T7 timetable can be found here and the 69 bus timetable can be found here.

Photo Credit: Visit Monmouthshire  

Fairy Glen – Betws-y-Coed – T10

This cosy little corner of Eryri is just a stone’s throw from the bustling village of Betws-y-Coed.

The river Conwy flows through this secluded and enchanted gorge, that makes you feel like you’re entering another dimension when you’re standing amidst it all.

What’s more, Fairy Glen is also a protected wildlife site.

Hop off the T10 service at the Bron-haul bus stop – just before the A5 meets the A470 heading into Betws-y-Coed. More information on routes and timetables is available here.

A footpath leads immediately from the bus stop down to the river Conwy and the Fairy Glen.  

Photo Credit: Daily Post

Carn Ingli, Newport (Pembrokeshire) – T5

Known as the Angel Mountain in English, Carn Ingli is the site of a 450-million-year-old volcano and the remains on an Iron Age fort.

Hop off the T5 in the centre of Newport village, where a two-mile trail begins up towards the impressive mountain. It’s a little steep in places but there’s some great views over the village from the top.

The T5 timetable and route map is available here and a map of the walking route can be viewed here.

Photo Credit: Pembrokeshire National Park 

Hay Bluff – T14

Overlooking the beautiful mid-Wales town of Hay-on-Wye, Hay Bluff is a great option if you’re looking to mix a day of walking with a bit of browsing around the book capital of Wales.

Straddling the border between Herefordshire and Powys – it’s the perfect location if you’re chasing some amazing views this half term.

The T14 takes you straight to the heart of the town where you’ll see plenty of signposts for the Offa’s Dyke path that heads up towards Hay Bluff – more information is available here.

The T14 timetable and route map is available here.

Photo Credit: Nick Stewart

Ynys-hir Nature Reserve – T2

Ynys-hir is where nature and tranquillity join in perfect harmony.

Located just outside the ancient capital of Wales, Machynlleth, there’s plenty to enjoy as you wander around the woodland and wetland reserve – taking in some of the different species of birds that call this lovely place their home.

Wander out further onto the mudflats and salt marsh of the Dovey Estuary.

Hop off the T2 at the London House bus stop in Eglwys Fach before taking a short walk to St Michael’s Church – turning right at the lane by the church towards the nature reserve.

The T2 timetable and route map is available here.

Photo Credit: RSPB