Easton Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Chippenham, Easton Wood gives you that genuine forest feel without requiring a full day's commitment. The trees are decent - mixed woodland with enough variation to keep things interesting - and the paths are straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though nothing dramatic. You'll get decent shade on a hot day and the undergrowth is typical Wiltshire woodland, nothing rare or showy about it.

It's the sort of place you'd do in an hour or so, maybe ninety minutes if you dawdle and let the kids explore a bit. Walkers will find it solid rather than spectacular - good legs workout if you push the pace, but the terrain won't trouble anyone used to proper hills. Birdwatchers might find it worthwhile depending on the season.

Free to access as far as I can tell, which is decent. The location works well if you're based at one of the nearby campsites - The Moors Campsite or Plough Lane Caravan Site are both within easy reach, or Roe Deer Fields if you fancy staying slightly further out. Combine it with a walk around Chippenham itself and you've got a solid morning sorted.

Best visited when it's not been raining heavily - the paths get proper boggy - and early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the summer crowds, though honestly this isn't the sort of spot that gets rammed. Bring decent footwear and water, nothing fancy required.