Hidden Valley

The valley floor opens suddenly after a short woodland walk, and you realise why locals keep quiet about this place. Hidden Valley near Launceston is a proper slice of unspoilt Cornwall - steep wooded sides dropping down to a stream that babbles through ferns and moss-covered rocks. There's no gift shop, no café, no crowds demanding selfies by the waterfall. Just you, the trees, and the sound of water.

It's a walker's spot more than anything else. The path down is manageable but does demand sure footing, especially after rain when things get properly slippery. Most people allow a couple of hours to descend, have a poke around the stream beds, and climb back out without rushing. Kids who can manage a hill will find it magical - there's something about secret valleys that gets their imagination going, though very small ones might struggle with the gradient.

The best time to visit is late spring when the water flow is decent but the midges haven't woken up. Winter's mild here but damp, and summer crowds mean you're more likely to bump into other people than you'd expect for somewhere this remote.

If you're based at Trewithen Farm Glamping or Ekopod nearby, Hidden Valley works as a morning's walk before lunch somewhere in Launceston itself. It's not a full day's outing unless you're slow walkers, but it pairs well with the broader Cornish landscape rambles in the area. Admission is free, and there are no facilities at the site itself, so come prepared.