Chestnut Wood

The woodland floor here is carpeted with a riot of chestnut leaves, particularly striking in autumn when the canopy turns copper and gold. Chestnut Wood sits just outside Berkhamsted in Buckinghamshire, a proper working forest rather than a manicured country estate, and that's exactly what makes it worth a visit.

You're essentially looking at a managed woodland where sweet chestnuts dominate, interspersed with oak and other broadleaves. Walking through, you'll find decent tracks that loop back on themselves - nothing too demanding, though the forest floor can be boggy after rain. Most people allow 45 minutes to an hour to get a real feel for it, longer if you're the type to stop and identify trees.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate that these woodlands have been worked for centuries. Coppicing used to be serious business here, and you can still spot the stools and growth patterns if you know what you're looking at. Kids tend to enjoy it for about an hour, especially if they're into building dens or spotting woodland creatures - rabbits are common enough.

It works well as a half-day stop while basing yourself at one of the nearby sites. Chiltern Yurts and Hill Farm Camping are both within three miles, making this a convenient ramble before or after settling into your accommodation. Spring brings bluebells and wild garlic; winter offers bare-branch views and considerably fewer midges. Go early on weekends to avoid the local dog-walker contingent.