Hayfield Copse

A modest woodland walk just outside Calne, Hayfield Copse is the sort of place locals know about and visitors often miss. It's not dramatic - no towering ancient oaks or rare woodland creatures - but it does the job if you want a quiet stretch of legs among the trees without hiking boots and a packed lunch.

The forest itself is fairly standard mixed woodland, the kind that covers chunks of Wiltshire. You'll find typical birch, oak and conifers, plenty of shade on a hot day, and enough paths to keep you occupied for an hour or so. The ground can be boggy depending on recent rain, so bring sensible footwear rather than trainers.

If you're camping nearby - and there's a decent cluster of sites within four or five miles, including Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site and the various glamping spots around Little Thornham - this works as a morning or late afternoon wander. It's good for families who want to burn off energy without committing to a proper country walk, and it's dog-friendly if you've brought the spaniel along.

Timing-wise, allow an hour maximum. The appeal is really in its accessibility rather than any standout features. It's the sort of woodland you'll appreciate more if you're already in the area for the wider Wiltshire countryside, rather than planning a trip specifically around it. Worth knowing about, but not worth going out of your way for.