Darkham Wood

Walking into Darkham Wood near Bideford feels like stepping into something properly wild. The name doesn't lie - it's dark under the canopy, with the kind of dense woodland that swallows you whole even on a bright afternoon. You're moving through old growth here, twisted oak and beech creating this natural cathedral that makes you want to walk quietly.

The paths wind deeper without any fuss or signposting, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your mood. Bring a map if you've got one. It's the sort of place where you can lose an hour easily, picking your way over roots and around fallen timber, spotting the occasional stream that carves through the woodland floor. Don't expect dramatic viewpoints or facilities - there's nothing here except trees, air, and birdsong.

This works well for anyone who actually enjoys walking without entertainment. Kids who fidget in nature reserves will get bored fast. But if you've got teenagers who want proper woodland rather than a manicured country park, or if you're after a serious leg-stretch between Bideford and the coast, it's worth the detour.

If you're staying at Owl Valley Glamping nearby, Darkham Wood makes a decent morning walk before heading into Bideford for lunch. Free to access, no time limit, and genuinely quiet. Go on a weekday if you can - weekends bring more footfall, which rather diminishes the appeal of somewhere this atmospheric.