Kennerleigh Woods

The woodland around Kennerleigh is proper walking territory - ancient Devon forest with decent paths that wind through broadleaf trees and occasional clearings where you can actually see the sky. It's the sort of place where you genuinely lose track of time, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on whether you've got anywhere to be.

This isn't a manicured nature reserve with information boards at every turn. It's working woodland that feels like it belongs to the landscape rather than the other way round. The trees are old enough to be interesting, and the ground is soft underfoot most of the year. If you're staying at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park just outside Crediton, you're within easy reach of a proper walk without needing to drive far.

Walkers will get the most from Kennerleigh Woods. Families with young children might find it a bit samey after an hour unless the kids are genuinely into spotting wildlife and scrambling over fallen logs. There's no visitor centre or café, so bring what you need. Best visited in autumn when the canopy colours up, or after dry spells when the paths aren't squelchy.

Allow two to three hours if you're serious about it, or pop in for forty minutes if you're just breaking up a caravan holiday. Free to access, though you'll want decent boots and a map or phone signal - the paths aren't always obvious.