Gravelpit Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Gravelpit Wood sits just outside Cupar and makes for a decent afternoon if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks. The trees are mature and thick enough to feel properly sheltered even when the Fife weather's playing up, and there's a network of paths that let you string together a 45-minute ramble without backtracking.

It's the sort of place walkers and dog owners gravitate toward - nothing spectacular, but reliable. You won't find dramatic vistas or ancient monuments. What you get is woodland quiet and the occasional surprise of a clearing where light pours through. The paths are well-trodden and navigable year-round, though winter can be boggy in spots.

If you're staying at The Rings just down the road, this is your local circuit. Bring the family for a stretch of the legs and fresh air, but don't rearrange your schedule around it. An hour here, then back for lunch works better than making a morning of it. It's free access and there's no fussing about opening times or admission fees - just turn up when suits you.

The real value's in the convenience. It breaks up a park-based holiday without requiring a long drive, and it's quiet enough that kids can explore without you fretting about crowds or navigating tourist trails.