Middle Covert

Middle Covert is a proper working woodland just outside Salisbury, the kind of place you'd miss entirely if you weren't looking for it. It's managed as a commercial forestry site, which means you won't find fairy lights or a visitor centre - it's genuine forest doing what forests do. The paths wind through dense tree cover, and in winter the lack of undergrowth makes navigation easier; come spring and summer, the canopy fills out and it becomes genuinely atmospheric.

You'll get the most from this if you're into woodland walks rather than scenic vistas or family entertainment. There's no car park, no signage, no facilities. Locals use it for cycling and quiet walking, and that's exactly the appeal. It's the antidote to managed woodland experiences, which means you need to know what you're doing before you arrive - bring a map, wear decent boots, and don't expect waymarks.

If you're camping at Marshwood Farm just a few miles away, Middle Covert makes a solid morning expedition. The walk itself takes whatever time you want - there's no circuit, just forest to explore. Go early or on a weekday to avoid the cycling crowd.

Worth your time? Only if you actively prefer forests without infrastructure. Beautiful in its own way, but it demands something from you in return. Not one for a casual family outing.