There's no getting away from the fact that Wales is a stunning place to explore, with coastal paths, mountains and lush countryside right on our doorstep.
Now National Trust Wales is launching a festive campaign to encourage families to get out and about and explore our heritage - and at the same time reflect on their wishes for the year ahead.
The 12 Walks of Christmas is running at a dozen properties throughout Wales where 'wish trees' have been placed.
Visitors will follow mapped out routes where they can discover the attractions at the sites and come across a tree where they can pause, take a moment, reflect and share those all-important wishes for 2018.
“Christmas is a time of celebration, of sharing and of families coming together and that’s exactly what we want to achieve at our special places in Wales," said Justin Albert, Director of National Trust Wales.
"We want visitors to come and enjoy one, or maybe all, of our 12 Walks of Christmas, spending quality time with their loved ones.
"In doing so, people will be helping support further vital conservation work and making our ultimate wish come true, to safeguard these special places for ever, for everyone.”
Here are the National Trust properties taking part in the campaign...
1. Tredegar House
A 17th-century Charles II-era country house mansion. For more than 500 years it was home to the Morgan family, one of the most powerful and influential families in the area.
This campaign also celebrates the completion of the extensive restoration work to Tredegar House.
Where: Tredegar House, Duffryn, Newport NP10 8YW
Details of walk: Join in the festivities, relive favourite traditions or discover new ones before setting off on the urban woodland walk, leaving from the Victorian circle, around the lake and parkland and back towards the house.
2. Llanerchaeron
A Grade I listed mansion on the River Aeron, designed and built in 1795 by John Nash for Major (later Colonel) William Lewis as a model, self-sufficient farm complex.
Where: Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron, near Aberaeron SA48 8DG
Details of walk: Discover the kitchen and walled gardens of the 18th century mansion on a short walk around the gardens and lake, before taking a moment to share your Christmas wish.
3. Erddig
A much-loved home, garden and estate from the 18th century filled with stories of a family and their servants.
Where: Erddig Hall, Erddig, Marchwiel, Wrexham LL13 0YT
Details of walk: A chance to explore the 1,200-acre estate on a short mile-long walk. Climb the mound, discover the secret meadow and walk down the ‘Cathedral Aisle’ of Beech and Hornbeam trees.
4. Dinefwr
A National Nature Reserve, historic house and 18th century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park.
Where: Dynevor Ave, Llandeilo SA19 6RT
Details of walk: Discover almost 300 ancient trees as you head around the Dinefwr house and parkland. Look out for lots of wildlife in the Deer Park including the herd of White Park Cattle.
5. Chirk Castle
A Grade I listed castle near Wrexham.
Where: Chirk Castle, Chirk LL14 5AF
Details of walk: This easy woodland mile-long walk has spectacular views along the Ceiriog Valley - and a little surprise in the middle.
6. Stackpole
Consisting of 12 square kilometres of farmland, lakes, woodland, beaches, and cliffs.
Where: Old Home Farm Yard, Stackpole, near Pembroke SA71 5DQ
Details of walk: This 6-mile walk will take about four hours and takes in some of the finest wildlife habitats in Pembrokeshire: limestone cliffs with breeding seabirds, beaches, dunes and freshwater lakes.
7. Porth y Swnt
A visitor centre like no other where you can explore, learn about and enjoy the natural environment.
Where: Aberdaron, Pwllheli LL53 8BE
Details of walk: Brace yourselves for a windy coastal walk along the headland to Porth Meudwy before heading back to Porth y Swnt to make your Christmas wish.
8. Bodnant Garden
Founded in 1874 and developed by five generations of one family, the garden spans 80 acres of hillside and includes formal Italianate terraces, informal shrub borders stocked with plants from around the world.
Where: Bodnant Rd, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay LL28 5RE
Details of walk: Start the walk around Bodnant Garden from the Old Mill up to see the new Penjerrick Walk, and an opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Conwy Valley from the top of Furnace Hill.
9. Plas Newydd
An enchanting mansion and gardens with spectacular views of Snowdonia.
Where: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6DQ
Details of walk: Embark on a walk around Plas Newydd taking in all of the sights of Snowdonia, Faenol and former quarry, Camellia Dell.
10. Dyffryn Gardens
A collection of botanical gardens located near the villages of Dyffryn and St Nicholas in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Where: Dyffryn Cl, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SU
Details of walk: An easy stroll around the beautiful gardens, venturing past the rockery, kitchen gardens and lawn, not forgetting a stop mid-way at the Wish Tree.
11. Penrhyn Castle
A country house in Llandygai, Bangor, in the form of a Norman castle. It was originally a medieval fortified manor house.
Where: Ffordd Llandegai, Bangor LL57 4HT
Details of walk: See Penrhyn Castle in all its glory with a walk all around the estate. Enjoy both magnificent coastal and mountain views as you pass through the Elysian Fields.
12. Powis Castle
A medieval castle, fortress and grand country mansion, near Welshpool, which is known for housing the treasures that were brought home by Robert Clive and his son, Edward Clive, from India.
Where: Welshpool SY21 8RF
Details of walk: Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the Italianate terraces and through the Formal Garden and ‘Wilderness’ Woodland at Powis Castle.
For the maps and full details of all the walks, visit the 12 Walks of Christmas website
This Christmas we're working with the NSPCC to make sure every child has someone to speak to.Currently Childline only has the resources to respond to three in every four calls for help.Please help Childline be there for every young person who desperately needs support.Donate £4 by texting ‘NSPCC 4’ to 700099 or visiting nspcc.org.uk/echo. Text costs include your donation of £4 plus your standard network rate. To donate £12 text ‘NSPCC 12’ and to donate £12 text ‘NSPCC 12’, also to 70099. The NSPCC will receive 100% of your donation.
