Gilrags Wood

The woodland around Gilrags, just outside Royston, is proper walking country - the kind of place where you can disappear for an afternoon without seeing another soul. It's mixed deciduous forest, nothing dramatic, but there's something satisfying about the straightforward paths and the way the light filters through in autumn. The walk itself is gentle enough for families who don't mind a bit of mud, though it can get sticky after rain.

You're looking at a couple of hours maximum to explore properly, which makes it ideal if you're camping nearby at Guilden Gate Glamping or one of the other caravan sites within striking distance. The paths are well-used but not manicured - you get the sense this is local walking territory rather than a tourist destination. Cambridgeshire Lakes is close enough if you want to pair a woodland stroll with a bit of water activity.

Historically it's nothing special, but that's not really why you'd come. This is about getting off the caravan park for a few hours with the dog or the kids, and the woodland delivers on that front. Walkers will appreciate it more than casual visitors; it's the kind of place that rewards regular visits rather than one-off trips. Winter can be atmospheric, though February mud is a real consideration. There's nothing onsite - no cafe, no facilities - so plan accordingly. Free to access and no time constraints make it refreshingly straightforward.