Miller's Wood

Miller's Wood is a proper woodland walk just outside Barnstaple - the kind of place you stumble into expecting nothing much and find yourself wandering for hours. The forest floor is thick with moss and leaf litter, with a network of trails threading through ancient trees and patches of open ground where light actually reaches the undergrowth. It's peaceful, genuinely quiet, and the sort of spot where you might spot woodland birds if you keep your eyes peeled.

This one appeals to anyone who wants a straightforward forest walk without the crowds of more famous Devon beauty spots. Families with younger kids will manage fine on the main paths, though older walkers and outdoor types will get more from exploring the quieter stretches. There's no visitor centre, no café, no fanfare - just trees and space. Bring a map or download the route beforehand because signposting can be haphazard.

How long you'll need depends entirely on which path you take. An hour gets you a decent circuit; two hours if you're the type who stops to look at ferns and listen for nuthatches. It's free to access, which helps. Spring and autumn are genuinely lovely here - summer can feel a bit dense and damp, winter opens up sight lines through the bare branches.

If you're staying at HARTA Retreat or Stowford Farm Meadows nearby, Miller's Wood makes an unpretentious morning outing before heading to the coast. It's not the sort of place that'll blow your mind, but it's exactly what a forest should be - quiet, genuine, and properly restorative.