Squirrel Hill Wood

Squirrel Hill Wood is a proper woodland walk just outside Newent - the sort of place where you actually see squirrels darting between the oaks and birches, rather than just hoping to spot one. It's a working forest with clear paths threading through, ideal for a couple of hours of gentle rambling or a quicker 45-minute circuit if you're short on time.

The main appeal here is straightforward: trees, fresh air, and a genuine sense of being away from it all without needing a full day's expedition. Families with younger walkers will manage fine, though it's not a destination for pushchairs. The woodland floor can be muddy after rain, so proper boots matter. Dog walkers absolutely love this place - plenty of space to let them run, and you'll likely encounter others doing the same.

Historywise, there's nothing particularly dramatic to point at, which some will see as a relief. You come here to breathe in the forest, not to stand about reading plaques. If you're camping at Mike's Meadow Glamping or Up Sticks just a few miles away, this is a natural half-day option to break up the week. The Turbles and Swallowfields Retreat are equally close, making it accessible from any of the local caravan sites.

Best visited in spring when the woodland floor comes alive, though autumn works too if you don't mind the damp. Summer can feel a bit thick and buggy. Free to enter and no time limits - you're simply wandering into woodland. Worth the detour if you're staying locally and fancy actual trees rather than manicured parkland.