Ring Plantation

The woodland at Ring Plantation feels properly remote despite being just outside West Hill. You're walking through dense conifer plantation - tall, straight trees that block out most of the sky - rather than the broad-leafed stuff you might expect. It's atmospheric in its own way, especially when the wind gets up through the branches. The trees are planted close together, which means the ground beneath stays damp and mossy even when it's been dry elsewhere.

This is walker territory, genuinely. You'll need proper boots and a map - there's no visitor centre, no café, no facilities to speak of. The paths wind through the plantation, and while it's easy enough to follow once you get going, it doesn't feel like a manicured nature trail. Kids might manage an hour here, but they'll get restless if you're not keen on that particular brand of quiet woodland walking. For serious ramblers planning longer loops, it connects into the broader footpath network across East Devon.

If you're staying at either Cuckoo Down Farm or Oakdown - both excellent bases for the area - Ring Plantation makes a decent half-day outing. It's free access, naturally, and you can do it in your own time. Go when it's not raining, though; the dampness can get oppressive. Really worth it if you want solitude rather than views.