Our verdict
Forestry, honestly — but Brendon forestry, which means near-total solitude, sudden valley views where the crop's been felled, and the Royal Oak at Luxborough waiting at the bottom. One for walkers who like miles more than landmarks.
A sprawling block of spruce, larch and beech-edged forest rides high in the Brendons near Luxborough, part of the great crescent of plantations that runs along these hills. Long straight tracks, big skies at the clearings, and buzzards overhead.
Forestry England conifer woodland in the Brendon Hills, open on foot at all times. Harvesting closes tracks occasionally.