Bickfords Wood

The woodland footpaths through Bickfords Wood deliver that proper Devon forest walk you're after - the sort where you actually feel like you've left Plymouth behind, even though you're barely twenty minutes out. Ancient oaks and dense undergrowth line the trails, and on a damp morning the whole place smells like wet earth and moss. It's not dramatic or spectacular, but it's genuine woodland, the kind locals have been walking through for generations.

You can wander for anything from half an hour to a couple of hours depending on which paths you take. The ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots make sense. Families with younger kids will manage fine on the main routes, though it's not purpose-built playground stuff - this is proper forest, not manicured parkland. Older walkers and anyone after a bit of woodland peace without the crowds will get the most from it.

The beauty of Bickfords Wood is that it slots perfectly into a broader Devon walking holiday. It's close enough to Hidden Hill Devon's glamping site if you're staying nearby - about two and a half miles - for a morning or afternoon outing without needing to drive far. Pop in, stretch your legs, breathe the air, move on. There's no cafe or facilities to speak of, so bring what you need. Free to access, naturally. Go when it's dry if you value dry feet, but honestly, wet woodland has its own appeal.