Yarnicombe Wood

Walk into Yarnicombe Wood and you're straight into proper Devon woodland - the kind with dappled light, moss-covered logs, and the smell of earth that makes you remember why you bothered with the drive. It's a forest, plain and simple, nothing fancy, just ancient trees and the occasional clearing that opens onto genuinely nice views across the surrounding countryside.

The wood sits just outside Kingsbridge, making it a cracking spot for a half-day outing if you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots. Hidden Hill or Ashbourne Woods are only five or so miles away, so it works perfectly as a morning walk before you head back for lunch. You can wander in for an hour and feel like you've had proper time in nature, or spend two to three hours if you're the type who likes to get properly lost and find your way back. There are paths through it, though nothing dramatic - it's more about ambling than striding.

Families with young walkers will find it manageable; it's not a steep slog. History types will appreciate that this is old woodland, the kind that's been here for centuries, but honestly it's the mood of the place that sells it rather than any specific site or ruin. The trees do the talking. Bring wellies if there's been rain - the ground gets boggy in spots - and you'll want good shoes regardless. No facilities to speak of, so come prepared. It's free, naturally, and there are no set times because it's just woodland. Go whenever suits you.