Alderplot Wood

Dense woodland near Crediton that feels properly wild once you're under the canopy. Alderplot Wood is the kind of place where you lose the sound of roads within minutes - just tall trees, dappled light, and the occasional splash of a stream if you're lucky with the timing.

It's woodland walking territory, straightforward enough. There are paths threading through, though nothing signposted that I could see, so you'll want a decent map or phone app before you head in. The trees are mixed deciduous - alders obviously, along with oak and birch - and it's thick enough that even on busy days you won't feel crowded. Kids find it interesting for an hour or so, long enough to spot a few birds and poke about in the undergrowth, though there's no playground or visitor facilities. Not somewhere you'd base a whole afternoon around.

Walkers get the most from this. It's the kind of place to loop through on a longer route rather than drive to deliberately, though it's perfectly convenient to Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park if you're staying that way. A decent stretch of legs if you're between activities.

Free to walk through as far as I could tell, no barriers or gates. Spring's probably best when there's some ground cover to look at, though honestly any dry day works. Allow an hour for a proper mooch, half that if you're just passing through.