Skear Croft

Deep woodland near Truro that feels properly isolated despite being minutes from the city. Skear Croft is the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident, which is exactly why it's worth the detour. You're looking at mature trees, decent walking paths that wind through what's genuine Cornish forest - none of that manicured visitor centre business. The light filters through the canopy in that way that makes you forget you're only a short drive from town.

Walkers will get the most from it. Bring proper boots if you've had rain - the ground gets boggy in patches and the paths aren't hardcore-lined. You can spend anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours here depending on how much you want to meander. There's something calming about it without being touristy, which means no crowds, no ice cream van, no selfie sticks.

It works brilliantly as a morning or afternoon break if you're staying at Trevarth Holiday Park or Wrinklers Wood Glamping just down the road. Both are close enough that you could pop out for a walk without committing to a full day trip. Skear Croft won't blow your mind with dramatic vistas or Instagram moments, but if you actually want to walk through a proper bit of Cornwall woodland without the theme park atmosphere, this does exactly what it says on the tin.