HIll Top Remise

The woodland around Hill Top Remise, just outside Mansfield, feels properly wild compared to what you'd expect from Nottinghamshire. It's a genuine forest rather than manicured parkland - the kind of place where you can actually lose the sound of traffic and breathe properly.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The terrain's mixed enough to keep things interesting without being knackering, and the tree cover means it's decent even when the weather's turned grey. You'll spot the old stone remise - essentially a sheltered rest spot built into the landscape - which gives the place its character. It's the sort of thing that stops you mid-walk and makes you wonder who built it and why, rather than just ticking boxes on a trail.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your view. Bring a map and proper footwear. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it easy, less if you know where you're going.

If you're staying at one of the lodges or caravan parks near Clumber Park - and there are several within a short drive - Hill Top Remise works well as a different sort of woodland walk. Clumber Park itself is the obvious choice, but this feels less polished and more like actual forest. Worth combining the two for a proper day out without getting bored of the scenery.