Rubblecheap Plantation

Deep in Devon's interior, Rubblecheap Plantation is the sort of woodland you stumble upon rather than plan for - all tangled paths, mature conifers, and that particular quiet that comes with serious tree cover. It's genuine forest walking, not a manicured trail system, which means it suits people who actually like woods rather than those after a quick photo stop.

The plantation itself is fairly old-growth in places, with enough established trees to make you feel properly away from things. It's ideal for walkers wanting an hour or two of genuine forest immersion without the crowds you'd hit at better-known Devon spots. Dogs do well here too. The paths aren't signposted to death, so bring a map - that's part of the appeal, frankly.

Nearest you'll find civilization is Tiverton, a proper market town about 5 miles off. If you're staying at Nirvana Glamping - which sits pleasantly close by - this makes a solid morning or afternoon diversion. It's not dramatic or Instagram-friendly, which is precisely why it's worth the detour. The real advantage is being able to walk without fighting through tour groups or pushing buggies over compressed gravel.

Allow two to three hours if you want to actually explore rather than just march through. No facilities on site, so take water and decide your route beforehand. It's free, and it's the sort of place that reminds you why people move to Devon in the first place.