Parkfield Covert

Walk into Parkfield Covert and you're immediately swallowed by proper old-growth woodland - the kind of forest that makes you forget Gloucester's just a few miles away. It's a working covert, which means it's been actively managed for centuries, and that shows in the way the trees are spaced and the paths wind through in logical patterns rather than wild tangles.

You get a decent woodland walk here without needing to commit to hours of tramping. The paths are clear enough, well-trodden by locals who clearly use this place regularly. It's best for people who actually like being under trees - walkers after a decent stretch of legs, or families with kids old enough to manage uneven ground without constant moaning. Bring a camera if you're into woodland photography; the dappled light through the canopy is genuinely good, especially on clear afternoons.

Timing-wise, allow an hour or so for an unhurried wander, longer if you're the type to stop and identify what's nesting in which tree. Spring and early summer bring out the woodland flowers and birdsong. If you're based at one of the caravan sites nearby - Severn Valley is closest at 3.4 miles - this works well as a morning walk before heading into Gloucester proper or exploring further afield. Free to access, as most coverts are, and no specific visitor facilities to speak of, so bring water.