Heywood Wood at Eggesford Forest

Walk into Heywood Wood and you're immediately swallowed by proper ancient woodland - the sort of place where Devon's forest heritage feels genuinely alive. It's part of Eggesford Forest, that sprawling area near Crediton, and while it's not a manicured visitor attraction with signage and tea rooms, that's rather the point. You get real woodland as it actually is: mature trees, dappled light filtering through the canopy, and the genuine possibility of stumbling across deer or spotting woodland birds without crowds.

For walkers, this is excellent. The ground is relatively forgiving, paths are reasonably clear, and you can lose yourself for an hour or three depending on how far you fancy heading in. History types will appreciate that this is genuinely old woodland - the bones of Devon's mediaeval landscape - though don't expect interpretive boards explaining it all. Families with youngsters will find it engaging for a couple of hours, though it's not the sort of place with play equipment or obvious "things to do".

Timing-wise, autumn is cracking - the woodland floor is thick with leaf litter and the light's golden. Spring's worth it too for bluebells and birdsong. You'll want at least two hours, probably three if you're exploring properly.

If you're staying at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park nearby, this makes a proper morning's walking before heading back for lunch. It's free to wander, which doesn't hurt either. The nearest facilities are in Crediton, so bring water and snacks with you.