The Blue Bucket

The Blue Bucket isn't what you'd expect from the name - it's actually a proper woodland peak tucked into Bracknell Forest, and it's the sort of spot locals know about while most visitors drive straight past. The walk up takes you through dense trees with that nice damp forest smell, and when you reach the top, you get decent views across the surrounding landscape. Nothing dramatic, but on a clear day it's genuinely pleasant.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a scramble or anything technical, just a straightforward woodland ramble that works well as part of a longer circuit through the forest. Families with kids aged seven and up will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the climb tedious. Allow an hour or so including the views at the top.

We're talking free admission and no real facilities up there, so bring water if you're making a day of it. Go when the forest isn't dripping wet - summer and autumn are your best bets. Winter's muddy and miserable on these paths.

If you're staying at Warfield Park or Scotlands House Campsite nearby, this makes a decent morning outing before you hit the main attractions elsewhere in the forest. It's close enough that you won't waste half your day driving, but far enough removed from the busy bits that you'll actually have some peace and quiet. Not a must-do on its own, but worth a detour if you're already in the area.