Duck Bridge

The narrow brick arch of Duck Bridge spans the Royal Military Canal just outside Ashford, and it's exactly the sort of thing you'd walk straight past if you weren't looking for it. Built in the early 1800s as part of the canal's defences during the Napoleonic Wars, it's a proper survivor - modest, functional, and utterly unpretentious.

What you get is a short stroll along the towpath with decent views of the water, and the bridge itself is worth a photograph if you're into Georgian engineering. The brick work's held up well, and there's something satisfying about standing on it and imagining the soldiers who would have marched across during peacetime. It's not going to keep you entertained for hours, but as a fifteen-minute detour from Ashford town centre, it works.

Historically minded walkers will find it interesting; young kids will find it a bit dull unless they're already keen on old buildings. If you're staying at Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park just 2.5 miles away, this makes a decent leg-stretch between breakfast and lunch. Dunn Street Farm Campsite at 3.9 miles is also within easy reach.

Come during the morning or late afternoon when the light's better and you've got the towpath mostly to yourself. There's no admission charge - it's right there on public land. Allow twenty minutes including the walk back to your car.