Bicton Wood

The forest canopy closes in thick around Bicton Wood, just outside Callington, and you'll immediately understand why locals keep coming back. It's proper woodland walking territory - ancient trees, dappled light, and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think after hours on the road.

There's no faffing about with visitor centres or admission fees here. You simply arrive, park up nearby, and step into what feels like genuine forest rather than a manicured attraction. The paths wind through stands of oak and beech, and the undergrowth changes with the seasons - bluebells in spring, ferns everywhere, leaf mould squelching underfoot come autumn.

Walkers will get the most from this one. Bring proper boots, especially after rain when it gets bog-like in patches. Families with young children might find it a bit samey after 45 minutes, though older kids who actually enjoy trailing through trees won't want to leave. The terrain's uneven and unmarked in places, so don't expect waymarked loops and signage at every turn.

If you're staying at Sunnyside Eco Glamping just down the road, this is ideal for a morning sortie before heading elsewhere. An hour or two is about right unless you're a serious woodland wanderer. There's something restorative about it - the kind of place where you remember why you came to Cornwall in the first place, rather than another postcard view.