Howley Grove

The woodland around Howley Grove is one of those places that rewards you for getting off the main path. It's a proper forest walk rather than a manicured trail, with mature trees creating a canopy that keeps things cool even on warm days. You'll find yourself among oak and beech, with the forest floor thick enough that your footsteps barely make a sound.

This is walker territory. Families with young children might find the lack of clear signposting frustrating, but anyone who enjoys getting a bit lost in the woods will find it absorbing for a couple of hours. The terrain isn't brutal, but it's uneven enough to need proper attention. There's a genuine sense of being away from things here, which is harder to find than you'd think in the Midlands.

Ross-on-Wye sits just a few miles south, so you can easily combine this with a wander through the town itself or a visit to other spots in the Forest of Dean if you're after a longer trip. If you're staying at Broadmeadow Caravan Park nearby, it's an easy morning outing before heading to lunch. The light is best in late afternoon when it filters through the canopy, turning everything golden.

Bring a decent map and waterproof - drainage here isn't brilliant after rain. Worth the detour if you're in the area and fancy something less polished than your typical country park.