Cliff House Woods

The woodland walk at Cliff House Woods feels properly remote despite being just outside Kingsbridge. Ancient oaks and beech trees tower overhead, creating that particular kind of green silence you only get in older forests. The paths wind through deep leaf litter - bring decent boots if it's been wet, as the ground gets boggy in patches.

This isn't a manicured attraction with visitor centres or marked trails. It's the real thing: a working woodland where you can actually breathe. The main draw is simply walking among genuinely old trees, spotting woodland birds if you're patient, and the occasional glimpse of the landscape beyond the canopy. Families with reasonably adventurous kids aged six and up will manage fine; younger ones might find the uneven terrain tedious after twenty minutes.

Allow ninety minutes to two hours if you want to actually explore rather than just loop back quickly. There's no admission charge - it's essentially a public woodland - and no facilities, so bring water. Summer's best for the walk itself, but autumn when the light comes through the turning leaves is genuinely special.

If you're based at Karrageen Caravan & Camping Park nearby, this makes a proper morning outing before heading to the coast around Salcombe. It's the sort of place that rewards getting up early and taking your time rather than rushing through. Real woodland, real walking.