Caban Bryn Arw

The valley mist lifts late here, curling up from the Black Mountains and leaving the grass heavy with dew long after you've got the kettle on.

This is proper Welsh borderland camping — stone walls, steep woodland, that particular green that only comes with serious rainfall. The site takes tents, campervans and caravans, so you'll find a mix of canvas purists and those who've wisely brought a solid roof for the Monmouthshire weather. It's well-placed for walkers tackling the Skirrid or Sugarloaf, and you're deep enough into South Wales to feel properly away from it all without being stranded.

Facilities are straightforward — toilets and showers onsite, the essentials done properly. Ask about campfires when you arrive; rules can vary depending on conditions and where you're pitched. Expect a quiet, hillside feel rather than a bustling family park. The kind of place where you hear more birdsong than chatter, and the dark skies remind you why you left the city behind.