Crawl Wood

The woodland here feels properly ancient - gnarled oaks and thick undergrowth that makes you feel properly away from Plymouth despite being barely four miles out. Crawl Wood is one of those forests where you come for a wander and lose track of time, which is either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood.

It's dense, atmospheric stuff. The paths wind through dense trees and you'll spot plenty of wildlife if you're quiet about it. Families with older kids who can manage uneven ground will get the most from this - toddlers might struggle, and it's not the place for anyone after a quick twenty-minute stroll. Walkers absolutely should pencil it in. The whole thing takes a good two hours if you explore properly, or ninety minutes if you know where you're going.

There's something slightly eerie about Crawl Wood that makes it feel special. It's the sort of place where the canopy gets so thick you lose daylight halfway through. Bring decent boots - it can be boggy, particularly after rain.

If you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon just down the road - their glamping setup looks properly nice - Crawl Wood makes an excellent morning jaunt before heading back for a soak in the hot tubs. Free to walk, no facilities on-site, and no crowds either. That's the real draw. Worth the detour if you're anywhere near Plymouth for a week.