Coln Lane Ground

Dense woodland just outside Fairford that works best as a proper walk rather than a destination in itself. The forest floor is thick with leaf litter and fallen branches, so it's not the sort of place you'll find manicured paths or interpretation boards. What you get instead is the real thing - tall trees, quiet, the occasional glimpse of wildlife if you're lucky. Families with young kids might find it a bit featureless after half an hour, but anyone who enjoys a solid woodland ramble will appreciate how untouched it feels. No facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water and check the ground conditions after rain. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a proper circuit, though you could just as easily pop in for a quick 30-minute wander. Best visited in autumn when the light filters through nicely, though it's pleasant enough year-round. The appeal is straightforward - it's a working forest, not a visitor attraction, which means you're walking through something genuine rather than a managed experience. If you're staying at Burford Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite (4.4 miles away) or Wysdom Touring Park (5.5 miles), this makes for a decent leg-stretcher between days exploring the Cotswolds. Don't expect signage or facilities. Just bring decent boots and an appreciation for old-growth woodland.