The Devenish

I go for walks here a lot and love it as it incorporates woods, hills and fields and can be as long or short as you like. It is popular with dog walkers. I recently went with several preschool children but it was a long walk to get to the woods (starting in the lay-by by Durnford manor) as I needed a buggy. The car park at the Devonshire involves steep steps or a steep hill which is great if I have no children but is not buggy friendly. The woods are great for children, with stick houses and a couple of swings and plenty of logs to climb on. There is a seat at the top of the hill and the views across Woodford are amazing. You can do a circular walk although it does involve a bit of road.

A nature reserve with beautiful woodlands and meadows and fantastic views from the top. Lots of wild flowers, butterflies and a small herd of sheep who keep the grasslands under control. We bumped into the Volunteer Warden who was very friendly and told us we're free to roam over the whole reserve, climb trees and make dens (just no fires please).

Car park has space for four cars but wasn't busy on a sunny July Saturday. There are paths from there and steps up the hill. If you're walking along the bridleway from the historical landmark Old Sarum, there's no need to turn left at the Avenue and walk along the road to the car park, instead walk past Keeper's Cottage and take the first left to enter the reserve from the east.

The Devenish is a small woodland reserve on the side of the Woodford valley overlooking the Avon. You can access via a small carpark (about six cars total) on the salterton side of the valley, or on foot from up the avenue footpath.
From the carpark it's a really steep climb to the top and there are no facilities here at all. It is a five star place for its natural beauty, the views are amazing at any time of year and it's an amazing place for kids to roam free, play hide and seek and make camps. Wild and free!

This is such a peaceful nature reserve, not too far off the beaten track. You won't find large flocks of birds but with some patience and luck we saw a raven, a buzzard, a red kite and a jay on one visit. It's worth going just for the views over the Woodford Valley.

Absolutely lovely little woods, be aware though, there are steep steps either side and grazing animals around,best to keep any dogs on the lead.

Lovely woodland walk uphill. Amazing views! Lot's of dens for children to play in.

Beautiful walk which ever way round you do it! About 1 hour 15 mins with some uphill climb! Gorgeous views and some beautiful woodland to explore if you go off piste with the kids

Nice walk up some steep steps but 2 year old and 5 year old hiked up holding onto rope. Nice place at the top with dens and then woodlands to pick up sticks and kids can run wild. Car park was ok small but no issues with parking as it was quiet.