St Michael's Hill

The woodland walk up St Michael's Hill near Crewkerne is genuinely one of those places that rewards the effort without making you regret it halfway through. You're looking at a proper forest climb through dense tree cover - the kind where light filters through in patches and your legs know they're working, but it's never brutal. The summit gives you proper Somerset views across the countryside, and on a clear day you can see for miles. It's the sort of spot where you actually feel like you've earned your lunch afterwards.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the local caravan parks - Esme's Escape or Thorney Lakes are both close by - and you want a morning activity that isn't just sitting on a sun lounger. Walkers will get the most from it; the terrain isn't technical but it needs decent boots and a bit of fitness. Kids can do it if they're the type who enjoy a woodland scramble rather than a manicured path, though don't expect them to sprint to the top. The forest itself is the main event here - it's atmospheric and green, proper woodland rather than ornamental trees.

Timing-wise, allow a couple of hours return if you're not rushing. Spring and autumn are best when the undergrowth isn't quite so thick and the weather's usually on your side. It's free to walk, no facilities at the top, so bring water. It's the kind of outing that justifies a stay in the area without being a headline attraction - solid, unpretentious, and it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is.