Blackberry Brake

A proper woodland walk between Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding countryside, Blackberry Brake is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a day around. The forest floor here is dense with undergrowth and bramble - hence the name - and on a good day in autumn the canopy turns brilliant shades of rust and gold.

It's ideal for a couple of hours if you're based nearby, though expect muddy boots even in dry weather. The paths are mostly well-trodden but uneven, so waterproof walking boots beat trainers by a mile. There's nothing fancy about it - no visitor centre, no cafe - which means you get the forest without the fuss.

Families with younger children might find the terrain challenging; it's better suited to walkers who don't mind a bit of scrambling. The woodland's good for spotting wildlife too, particularly in early morning when things are quieter.

If you're staying at Wixoldbury Farm Glamping nearby, this makes a natural morning ramble before heading back for a proper breakfast. It works well as part of a broader exploration of the Cotswold fringes - the whole area around Wotton-under-Edge has decent walking potential. Free to access, naturally. Just give yourself time to navigate the muddier sections, and don't expect signposting at every turn.