Smiths Covert

A proper woodland walk through mixed broadleaf forest, Smiths Covert sits just outside Cirencester and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Cotswolds forest ramble - decent paths, plenty of shade, and enough space to feel properly away from it all without needing to drive an hour. The paths wind through oak and beech, with sections open enough that you can actually see where you're going, unlike some overgrown patches you find elsewhere.

It's the sort of place that rewards a leisurely couple of hours rather than a quick dash. Families with young kids will manage fine on the main tracks, though there's nothing flashy here - no play areas, no information boards, just trees and paths. If you're after a genuine woodland experience rather than a manicured country estate, this hits the mark.

Being this close to Cirencester makes it a natural fit with a base at Cirencester Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, or you could stretch to Hoburne Cotswold over in Cotswold Water Park way if you fancy somewhere with more amenities. The covert works brilliantly as a morning walk before hitting Cirencester's market town shops later. Bring wellies if it's been wet - woodland floor drainage round here can be dodgy.