Hill Covert

The woodland at Hill Covert is the sort of place you wander into expecting a quick twenty-minute stroll and somehow emerge two hours later, covered in mud and genuinely sorry to leave. It's proper forest - dense enough to feel like you've left Burton-on-Trent well behind, but manageable enough that you won't get hopelessly turned around if you stick to the main paths.

You'll find a mix of mature hardwoods and younger plantings, with enough clearings to actually see where you're going. It's decent for families because the terrain isn't brutally steep, though it can get boggy after rain - wellies are genuinely useful, not just a nice idea. The woodland floor is thick with moss and leaf litter, which makes it feel older and more interesting than some of the more manicured forest parks nearby.

Historically types might find bits of interest scattered about, though there's no polished visitor centre explaining everything for you. Sometimes that's refreshing. Wildlife watchers should bring binoculars - you're more likely to hear the birds than spot them, but spring and early summer are your best bets.

It works well as a leg-stretcher if you're camping at Conkers, just five minutes down the road, or as a quick detour from Peake's Retreats. Allow at least an hour and a half if you actually want to explore rather than just trudge through. Best visited midweek if you value peace and quiet - weekends can get a bit busy. The drainage is reasonable, but October through March will test your footwear.