Aveton Wood

The moment you step into Aveton Wood near South Brent, you know you've found somewhere proper special. This is ancient Devon woodland - the kind of place where the trees seem to have been here forever and the paths wind through that particular green gloom you only get in old forests. Expect a mix of deciduous trees, damp earth underfoot, and the kind of quiet that actually feels loud after a while.

It's ideal for serious walkers rather than casual strollers. The terrain can be boggy in places and the paths aren't manicured - which is exactly why locals rate it. You're getting the real thing here, not a sanitised nature experience. Allow two to three hours if you want to explore properly without rushing. The wood opens year-round, though autumn and early spring feel best - summer brings midges that'll have you cursing after about twenty minutes.

Families with older kids who don't mind mud will find plenty to occupy them. Little ones might struggle with the damper sections and lack of clear waymarking. If you're based at South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm just down the road, this makes a cracking half-day addition to your park holiday, though it won't feel like a breakthrough experience if you're already surrounded by countryside.

There's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring water and decent boots. It's free to access, which keeps it refreshingly uncrowded. Worth the detour if you're into proper woodland walks rather than Instagram moments.