Horn Moor

Walking through Horn Moor on a damp Somerset afternoon, you understand why locals keep quiet about it. This isn't some manicured woodland trail - it's proper forest, the kind where you actually need to pay attention to where your feet are going. Dominated by conifers with patches of broadleaf mixed in, the woodland sprawls across enough ground to lose a good couple of hours without seeing another soul.

The forest floor is soft underfoot, which is lovely after a morning on the road, and there are enough natural paths to follow without needing waymarkers. It's straightforward walking rather than demanding hiking - nothing that'll challenge your fitness, but enough variation to keep things interesting. The surrounding landscape is typical Somerset moorland and forest, all gentle slopes and distant views when the trees open up.

This works best for walkers after a quiet woodland experience rather than tourists after facilities or points of interest. There's no car park sign, no visitor centre, no café - you turn up, you walk, you leave. That's the appeal. Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited if they're expecting play areas or obvious attractions, but older children who like proper exploring will get on with it fine. Allow two to three hours for a decent circuit.

Based near Crewkerne, it pairs well with a stay at Wytch Wood Camping or Dimpsey Shepherd's Hut Glamping if you're after forest walks combined with easier days exploring the wider area. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring enough company to spoil the sense of having the place to yourself.