Raythorn Wood

The woodland paths through Raythorn Wood sit just outside South Brent, offering proper relief from the moor if you've spent the morning in full sun on Dartmoor. It's a working forest - you'll see recent felling and replanting alongside mature stands of oak and beech that actually feel like they've been there a while, which is refreshing.

The main appeal here is the walking. Paths wind through the trees at an easy pace, and locals seem to treat it as their secret spot rather than a tourist destination, which means it's genuinely quiet. Allow an hour or so for a casual wander, longer if you're after a proper stomp. The terrain is well-trodden but can get muddy in sections, so decent boots are sensible.

It's ideal for families with school-age kids who can manage a couple of miles without complaint, though there's not much in the way of dramatic viewpoints or attractions within the wood itself - this is about the walk itself, not reaching somewhere special. History enthusiasts might find the mix of old and new woodland management interesting, but if you're after ancient sites or ruins, you'll need to head deeper into the Moor.

The real strength is proximity to Ashbourne Woods just down the road - you could easily combine both for a full day of forest walking. Free to access, and no time restrictions that we're aware of, making it the sort of place you can dip in and out of your Dartmoor itinerary without planning ahead.