Chilly Hill

The woodland walk at Chilly Hill doesn't announce itself with fanfare, which is rather the point. You're in Cambridgeshire, just east of Cambridge, where the landscape tends towards gentle rather than dramatic, and this forest delivers exactly that - a proper bit of cover when you need it, nothing more, nothing less.

It's straightforward stuff: paths through established trees, the kind of place you go to clear your head or burn off some energy without having to drive to the Cotswolds. The walk takes an hour or so depending on your pace and how many times you stop to look at things. Free to access, obviously, since there's no gate or visitor centre to speak of.

Walkers get the most from this one. Kids in the 6-12 bracket might enjoy it as part of a longer afternoon, though they'll likely tire before you do. If you're staying at Piggles Retreat or HappenOak Treehouse - both just a couple of miles away - it's a decent option for stretching your legs without leaving the area entirely. The treehouse park especially makes sense as a base since you're already embracing a bit of forest life.

Timing-wise, spring's your friend here. Autumn works too, though muddy patches linger longer in East Anglia than they have any right to. Winter's fine if you don't mind damp and grey. Summer can be thick with flies and mosquitoes if you're unlucky.

Worth the detour? Only if you're already in the area. On its own, it doesn't justify a trip from Cambridge.