Willsbridge Valley

The valley floor opens up suddenly as you walk down from the lane near Bath, and you realise why people have bothered coming here for centuries. Willsbridge Valley is one of those Somerset spots that doesn't announce itself - no visitor centre, no car park, just a proper gorge carved through limestone with a stream running through the bottom and woodland clinging to both sides.

It's brilliant for a walk if you're staying at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat and fancy something a bit more rugged than the city itself. The valley walls tower up either side, and depending on which route you take, you can follow the stream through the narrowest bits or stick to the higher paths through the trees. Geologically it's quite something - you can read the rock layers like a book if you know what you're looking at, which explains why the place pulls in a few geology students alongside the casual walkers.

Bring proper footwear. The paths get muddy and occasionally steep, especially after rain, and there's no maintenance crews smartening things up. Kids who've got stamina for a decent hike will love the exploration element - scrambling over roots, crossing the stream if water levels allow. Younger ones might lose interest after half an hour unless they're genuinely keen naturalists.

Timing-wise, two hours is realistic for a thorough poke about. Go when the light's good - the trees mean it can feel gloomy in winter, and the place transforms completely in spring when the bluebells come through. It's free to access, but don't expect facilities. This is about the walk itself, not the destination.