Eggesford Forest

The forest sprawls across rolling Devon countryside between Crediton and the moor, all conifers and ancient woodland that feels properly isolated despite being just inland from Exeter. You're walking through dense greenery most of the time - it's the sort of place where the canopy cuts out so much light that you lose sense of what season it is until you emerge back into daylight.

There are trails through here, some gentle enough for families with young kids, others that climb properly and will have you sweating if you've not done much walking recently. The forest floor is thick with needles, which softens your step but also means it's darker and quieter than you might expect. Expect to see very few other people, which is either brilliant or unsettling depending on your temperament.

Walkers will get the most from Eggesford. Bring proper boots - it gets boggy after rain and the paths aren't maintained like they are at the honeypot spots. You'll want a couple of hours minimum, longer if you're the type who stops to look at things. There's not much by way of facilities or shelter, so go prepared. No cafes lurking about, no visitor centre. Just trees and paths.

If you're based at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park nearby, this makes a solid morning walk before heading to the moor. It's free, clearly, but honestly it feels like the sort of place most people drive straight past looking for something with more obvious attractions. That's its appeal, really.