Gaff Wood

Dark woodland paths cutting through Cornish coppice - that's Gaff Wood near Egloshayle. It's a proper working forest rather than a manicured nature reserve, so expect mossy ground, tangled undergrowth, and the sort of silence you don't get in towns. The trails wind through mixed woodland, mostly beech and oak, with occasional clearings where you can actually see the sky.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination attraction - no visitor centre, no facilities, no admission charge as far as anyone can tell - but rather a genuine pocket of forest you can lose yourself in for an hour or so. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes unless they're the type who genuinely enjoy spotting moss and imagining fairies. Teenagers who like a proper walk will be fine. The paths aren't marked brilliantly, so bring a map.

Timing-wise, allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on your pace and how many side turnings you explore. Go early morning or mid-week if you want it to yourself - weekends can see a trickle of locals. Autumn's probably best, when the canopy thins and there's actual colour.

If you're based at St Minver Holiday Park or the rather lovely Porthilly Beach Holiday Park just down the coast, this works as an easy half-day option when the beach is windy or you need a change of scenery. It's five miles from Egloshayle, so a short drive or a proper hike depending on where you're staying.