Deep in the twisty-turny lanes of East Devon in the beautiful Dart Valley lies Buzzards Woodland, a little-known oasis of tranquillity diverse in habitat, home to wildlife including deer, otters, dormice, rare bats, and of course the buzzards that can often be seen soaring high above the fields and woodlands searching for prey. To walk here is so good for the soul, it’s restorative, the connection with nature, the fresh air, the sense of solitude. It's just a stone's throw away from our gorgeous large group holiday properties Babblebrook and Babbling By, so a wonderful thing to do when you stay here.

Imagine a dull winter's day, damp and cold and grey, the kind of day that really, makes you want to hunker down, to stay indoors. Well, here at Buzzards Woodland that drabness dissipates within seconds, for here is beauty, here is richness in the coppery golds of the beech trees, the soundtrack of birds chirruping, the Little River Dart babbling along, and sometimes, the silence. It’s good to get out, to stretch your legs, to stop and stare, and this is one of the best places to do so in this little corner of the world.

Buzzards Woodland is little more than 3 miles from Tiverton though it’s well off the beaten track, so you wouldn’t think so. It feels remote, miles from anywhere, and so far away from the chaos of the world. The woods were donated to the National Trust in the 1970s and handed over to their Knightshayes team for conservation in 2014, so it’s all well maintained with waymarked trails, stiles, and bridges that cross the river and streams.

Buzzards Woodland actually comprises 4 woodlands, each with its own character; there are areas of ancient and semi-natural woodland, grassland and wet pasture, so the habitat is mixed. There are stands of mature ash and hazel, younger groves and coppiced areas, but in the main part of the woods, huge oaks and beech trees tower above you, their branches merging, squirrels scampering. In late winter, there are drifts of snowdrops nodding their little heads, in the springtime, when the bluebells are out, it’s a haze of purple-blue – both are a sight to behold.

Follow the waymarkers and lose yourself in this wonderful sylvan world, take a gentle amble or walk as far as you want – you can easily get in a good 4 miler. Stroll carefree ankle deep in last years’ leaves, be quiet and look around – that stopping and staring is what brings you truly close to nature, finding joy in how the light falls in a sun dappled glade, how the leaves gently rustle in the breeze, noticing the deep furrows in the bark of a tree, thinking about what’s going on beneath – the constant exchange of water, nutrients and sugar that connects the wood wide web. Notice the loamy scent of the forest floor, all these things, and all the while the little river trips along within your sight or hearing.

Getting to Buzzards Woodland isn’t that difficult; yes, the lanes are narrow and winding, but there’s not much traffic at all, and in any case, there are passing places. Follow the B3137 from Tiverton to Withleigh and look out for a signpost to the parish church; take the small track to the left and keep going until you reach the NT car park on the right (grid reference: SS909114, what3words: buzzards.motorist.realm).

The views from the car park over rolling Devon countryside are breathtaking, the sense of peace and calm is immense. Bring stout footwear, especially in the winter, as the tracks can be muddy, and be prepared for a steep climb or two. Remember, there might well be livestock in the fields, so keep your dogs on leads.

And afterwards, when you get back to the car – what then? If you’ve timed it right, head to the Cadeleigh Arms a couple of miles away for a well-deserved pint of the local brew, or if you’re organised and you book in advance, for a pub lunch or a wholesome Sunday roast.

Or do what we did. We were staying at Babblebrook just a 5 minute stride down the hill from Buzzards Woodland, a group of 10 of us, all ages, for a family celebration*. We went back all rosy cheeked, took off our togs and dried the dogs, then we lit the wood burner, opened a hearty bottle of red (hot chocolate for the young ‘uns) and gathered round with a big plate of toast to share – nice thick slices, dripping with butter. It was a perfect way to round off a perfect afternoon, and it goes to show, we don’t need all the glitz and the glamour; when it comes down to it, the simple things are the best – like a walk in the woods on a winter's day, with the people you love.

*Also close to Buzzards Woodlands is Babbling By, sleeping 12, with a hot tub, and coming very soon, Farfields, sleeping up to 16, with a pool, hot tub, sauna, games room and gym.