Cutkive Wood

The woodland around Cutkive Wood offers a proper escape from the Cornish coast crowds, even though it's only a short drive from Widegates. You're looking at dense mixed forest with good walking routes that wind through beech and oak, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The canopy is thick enough to stay reasonably dry even when it's drizzling, which counts for a lot in Cornwall.

It's ideal for families who want a couple of hours of foraging about without needing to plan a military expedition. Young kids will find fallen logs to scramble over and enough woodland creatures to spot if they're patient - we saw a pheasant crashing through the undergrowth and heard woodpeckers tapping away overhead. The paths are manageable for most ages, though you'll want proper shoes given how muddy things get after rain.

For walkers, it's a solid addition to a week exploring the Cornish landscape. The woodland sits well alongside time at either Sunnyside Eco Glamping or Lydcott Glamping if you're staying in the area - both within easy reach for an afternoon jaunt. There's something grounding about spending an hour or two among the trees before heading back to your accommodation.

Bring a packed lunch if you want to linger. The place rewards a slow pace rather than rushing through. Autumn's particularly good here when the light filters through in shafts and the forest floor is thick with leaves.