Straightway Head Big Wood

The woodland path at Straightway Head rises steeply through dense mixed forest, climbing away from West Hill into proper Devon countryside. Ancient oaks and beeches crowd the trail, their roots knotted across the ground like arthritic fingers, and the canopy closes overhead thick enough to muffle the world beyond. It's the kind of walk that feels genuinely remote despite being minutes from civilisation.

This is walker territory. The incline is real - not impossible, but enough to keep you honest for the first fifteen minutes. Allow 90 minutes for a proper explore if you want to wander around at the top where the trees open out slightly and you catch glimpses of the surrounding valleys. It's worth the leg work, though I'd not recommend bringing very young children unless they're already used to woodland hikes.

Best visited in autumn when the floor is carpeted with fallen leaves and the light filters through in that particular golden way that makes you forget to check your phone. Summer's fine too but the undergrowth can be a bit boggy in places after rain, so wear decent boots either way.

The wood works brilliantly alongside a stay at Cuckoo Down Farm Glamping, just a mile or so away - you've got a cracking spot to base yourself that's rural enough to feel properly away from things, yet close enough to local walks like this. Free access, no facilities up there, so bring water and snacks. Park near West Hill and find the marked path - it's clearly trodden in.