Haugh Wood - Forestry England

The woodland walk through Haugh Wood is proper Herefordshire - all tall conifers and ancient oaks mixed together, with the River Wye cutting through below. You're basically walking through what Forestry England manages here, which means well-maintained paths and the kind of quiet you don't get near towns. It's free to access, and most people allow a couple of hours to explore the main trails without rushing.

What makes it work is the sheer variety. One minute you're under dense tree cover, the next you've got glimpses of the valley. The river paths are lovely, especially if you've got kids who want to poke about in the water. There's enough here to keep a family occupied for half a day, though if you're after dramatic vistas or proper dramatic walks, you might find it a bit gentle.

Fownhope, just down the road, is handy for supplies and the odd pub lunch. If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Lucksall's only a mile and a half away - this becomes your go-to woodland escape without having to drive far. It works well as part of a wider Wye Valley loop rather than a standalone destination. Spring's probably best, when everything's green and the paths aren't waterlogged.