Brandon Wood

Brandon Wood sits just outside Rugby and makes for a proper woodland walk if you're camping nearby. It's a nature reserve where you'll find yourself among mature trees, woodland paths, and the occasional clearing where light actually reaches the forest floor. Don't expect dramatic vistas or anything theatrical - this is gentle, understated stuff.

The paths are straightforward enough, though they can get muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. You'll spot woodland birds if you're patient, and in spring the floor comes alive with bluebells. It's the kind of place where you can properly breathe and think, without the crowds you'd get at the flashier attractions around the Midlands.

Walkers will get the most from Brandon Wood. Young kids might manage a shorter loop if you're prepared for moaning about tired legs, but it's not really the sort of place that holds their attention for hours. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Eriba Glade is closest at under four miles - it's worth an afternoon visit when the weather's decent.

Allow a couple of hours for a decent walk, less if you just want a quick stomp. There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring what you need. Free access too, which is never a bad thing. Best visited in autumn when the light gets golden, or spring when everything's greening up.