Dock Plantation

Walk into Dock Plantation and you're immediately surrounded by towering conifers - it feels properly enclosed, like the trees are leaning in. The forest sits just east of Braintree and offers exactly what you'd want from a woodland walk: quiet trails, decent shade, and enough space to actually breathe away from other people.

It's a straightforward woodland experience rather than anything fancy. The paths wind through plantations of pine and spruce, so expect a soft forest floor underfoot and the smell of resin in the air. On a clear day, light filters through the canopy in those long, clean shafts that make everything look rather romantic. On a grey day - which is most days round here - it's just moody and green.

Families with walkers of seven or eight and up will get the most from it. Younger kids might find it a bit repetitive unless you're the type who can keep them entertained by spotting pine cones and listening for birds. There's no cafe or facilities that I could find, so come prepared.

If you're basing yourself at Hill Farm campsite nearby - which is well-rated and only six miles away - this makes a proper morning walk before the day gets properly warm. The forest itself is free to wander, and two or three hours is about right depending on how far you fancy going. Go early if you can. The peace doesn't last once the afternoon walkers arrive.