Square Covert

You'll find yourself walking into proper woodland as soon as you enter Square Covert, a forest tucked away near Melton Mowbray that feels miles from anywhere despite being barely minutes from the town centre. It's a straightforward place - trees, paths, air that smells right after rain - but that's exactly what makes it worth a visit if you're camping nearby at The Grange or Eye Kettleby Lakes.

The forest works best for walkers who want something low-key and accessible. You're not scrambling up hillsides or navigating tricky terrain - just proper walking through woodland. Families with young kids will manage fine for an hour or so, though there's nothing flashy here to hold attention beyond the woods themselves. If you're after a bracing walk before breakfast or a way to tire out the dog, it does the job well.

Bring decent boots if you've had rain. The ground holds water, and paths can get boggy depending on the season. Spring's probably best - more light filtering through new growth - though autumn has its appeal if you don't mind the wet. Go early if you can, before the place gets busier in high season.

If you're staying at either of the nearby parks, Square Covert makes a solid half-morning activity that doesn't require driving far. It's the sort of place that slots in between breakfast and lunch without fuss. Not a destination in itself, but genuinely useful if you're already in the area and want to stretch your legs in actual woodland rather than manicured parkland.