Cardinham Woods

Cardinham Woods is a sprawling forest estate just outside Maudlin where you can lose a good few hours walking among tall conifers and deciduous trees. The woodland covers around 600 acres, so there's proper scope for exploring - waymarked trails wind through the valley, ranging from gentle riverside strolls to steeper climbs that'll get your heart going.

The river runs through the estate and you'll spot it regularly as you walk, which breaks up the tree-lined monotony. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of wandering off the main paths if you're confident with navigation. The air smells like forest should smell. Kids tend to do well here because there's space to run about without worrying too much, and the uneven terrain keeps things interesting for families who aren't after a flat, manicured park experience.

Walkers will get the most out of Cardinham - serious types can string together several miles of circuit walks, while casual visitors might manage an hour or so and still feel they've had a proper outing. It's free to access and you can turn up whenever suits you. Given how many quality holiday parks sit within five miles - Mena Farm, Eden Valley, and Camp De Lank are all close by - this makes a solid addition to a camping holiday in the area. You could easily combine it with neighbouring green spaces for a full day outdoors. Autumn is probably best when the light filters through differently, though it's decent year-round if you don't mind a bit of mud.