Blacker's Hill

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Blacker's Hill sits just outside Mells in Somerset and gives you the kind of forest ramble that doesn't require any faffing about with car parks or entrance fees. The woodland here is dense and quiet - oak and beech mostly - with a handful of tracks threading through that locals clearly know well but won't be rammed with day-trippers.

You're looking at maybe an hour to ninety minutes depending on how much you want to poke about, though it's easily extended by linking it with other walks in the area. The forest floor is uneven in places and can get muddy even days after rain, so proper boots matter. Don't come expecting dramatic views or a riverside spectacle - this is low-key woodland, the kind where you notice birdsong because there's no other noise.

Walkers and anyone after a bit of peace will find it worthwhile. Families with young kids might get restless unless they're the type to enjoy building sticks into camps. Autumn is genuinely lovely here when the canopy changes colour - October through November beats the summer months when the trees are thick enough to block out decent light.

If you're staying at Cathedral View Glamping nearby, it's an easy morning walk to clear your head before heading into Mells proper for lunch. On its own it's not a reason to visit the area, but as part of a walking holiday in Somerset it absolutely earns its place on the itinerary.