Vire Island

The Dart estuary around Totnes holds some proper wild corners, and Vire Island is one of them - a tidal nature reserve that disappears and reappears with the river's rhythm. It's not a manicured spot with visitor centres and gift shops. What you get instead is marshland, saltings, and the sort of birdwatching that actually feels like birdwatching rather than standing in a queue.

Access depends entirely on the tides, which means you need to plan around them - that's part of the appeal for anyone who's serious about nature. Waders, grebes, and waterfowl turn up in decent numbers, especially in winter and during spring migration. The light across the water around dawn is genuinely worth hauling yourself out of bed for.

This isn't somewhere to bring young children expecting entertainment. Walkers and birders will find it absorbing for a couple of hours, particularly if you've got decent binoculars and a bit of patience. It works well as part of a wider exploration of the Dart Valley - combine it with a walk downstream towards Dittisham or back up towards Totnes itself.

Staying at Ashbourne Woods, just under five miles away, gives you flexibility. The campsite's well-positioned for using Vire Island as a morning or evening excursion without it dominating your break. Check tide times before you go - high water doesn't help - and allow yourself time to sit still. That's really what the place is about.