Ashill Wood

You'll find Ashill Wood a proper slice of Somerset woodland - the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a decent-sized forest just outside Taunton, ideal if you want to stretch your legs without committing to a full-day hike. The woodland floor is thick with moss and fallen leaves, and there's enough shade that it stays cool even when the rest of Somerset is baking. Walkers get the most from Ashill Wood. It's not dramatic or rugged - no dramatic viewpoints or waterfall-hunting here - but it's a genuine escape. You could potter about for an hour or settle in for a longer ramble depending on mood. The paths are reasonably well-maintained, though after rain they can get muddy underfoot, so proper shoes are worth bringing. It's the sort of place families with young kids might find a bit samey after the first half-hour unless they're genuinely keen on nature spotting. If you're camped at 5 Acres on the Somerset Levels or Ashe Farm Caravan and Camping Site - both brilliant spots just a few miles away - Ashill Wood makes an easy morning outing. It doesn't demand much planning. Free access, no gates to speak of, and you can turn up whenever suits. Combine it with a walk around Taunton or a visit to one of the nearby parks, and you've got a solid day. Don't expect drama. Expect trees, quiet, and some proper peace.