Brendonmoor Plantation

The walk through Brendonmoor Plantation takes you into proper woodland - tall conifers creating that green-filtered light that makes everything feel a bit quieter, a bit removed. It's the sort of place where you'll actually hear yourself think, which is rarer than it should be. The trees stand dense enough that even on a drizzly Cornish afternoon, you stay relatively dry underfoot.

This works best for walkers who want something straightforward without the crowds you'd find at bigger attractions. It's not a dramatic landscape - no peaks or water features - but if you're after a decent forest ramble near Bude, it's worth knowing about. The plantation feels less manicured than some managed woodlands, which gives it a certain appeal. You could spend an hour here, or two if you're meandering. Kids will manage it fine, though there's nothing specifically designed for them - no adventure play or marked trails with narratives.

It slots nicely into a holiday based at Bude Camping and Caravanning Club Site, only 5.4 miles away. On a day when the beaches are looking grim, it's the sort of place that breaks up the holiday rhythm. Bring waterproofs regardless of the forecast - this is Cornwall - and decent boots if the ground's been wet. The light tends to be best in late afternoon, when the sun cuts through the canopy properly.