Hawke's Hills

The woodland around Hawke's Hills, just outside Bridgwater, gives you proper forest walking without the crowds you'd find in the Quantocks or Exmoor. It's mixed woodland - oak, beech, and plenty of undergrowth - the sort of place where you actually feel like you've left the town behind even though you're barely minutes away.

There's a decent network of paths threading through, ranging from gentle ambles to slightly more involved walks depending on which route you take. The terrain's not challenging, but it's uneven enough to keep things interesting. Spring's lovely here when the bluebells are out, though it gets muddy quickly after rain so bring proper boots.

Family groups will manage fine on the easier routes - kids can handle an hour or so wandering about - but serious walkers might want to loop this into a longer circuit rather than make it a standalone destination. The forest itself isn't dramatic; there are no views to write home about, no dramatic ridges. What you get is woodland for woodland's sake, which is honest and straightforward.

Camp at The Hideout just 1.7 miles away and you've got an easy morning walk sorted. Thornhills and the other sites within five miles also work well as bases if you're doing a wider Somerset ramble. It's the sort of place that slots nicely into a week rather than demands a special trip. Free access and flexible timing - you can start whenever suits. Allow two to three hours if you're taking it leisurely.