Holford Glen

A proper woodland walk through Holford Glen feels like stepping into the Somerset countryside at its most genuine. These mixed forests wrap around the village of Holford, with trails cutting through beech and oak that shift from dense shade to open glades depending on the season. The woodland floor gets soggy after rain - wellies are your friend here, not optional extras.

This is straightforward walking country, not a showpiece attraction with visitor centres or marked loops. You navigate your own way through, following the natural contours of the landscape. It suits people who actually want to walk rather than tick boxes: families with older kids, local hikers killing a morning, anyone after genuine woodland without the crowds. Plan a couple of hours if you're not rushing.

If you're staying at Haven Doniford Bay or Warren Bay Holiday Village nearby, Holford Glen makes an excellent half-day break from the beach. The woodland air clears your head after a few hours of holiday parks and ice cream vans. It's free access too, which counts for something when you're already spending on accommodation.

Best in autumn when the colour turns - May and June work if you time it right to avoid the muddiest sections. Winter can be bleak and slippery. Summer brings the midges if you're unlucky. Go early in the day to avoid the school run crowd who use it as a local spot.