Full of rustic charm and set in the verdant valley of the Russian River, Guerneville (pronounced GURN-ville) began life as a logging centre (once unceremoniously known as Stumptown) but for decades has been doing a brisker business as a recreational centre, attracting San Franciscans to weekends of fishing, canoeing and kayaking. If this appeals, you’ll find rental outlets for fishing tackle, boats and bikes spread along River Road.

Two miles north of the town, foot trails lead through the dark, damp groves of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450), where an impressive batch of redwoods are staging a comeback after years of being scythed down for profit.

Besides a fair number of Victorian houses providing bed-and-breakfast accommodation and several enjoyable cafes, Guerneville itself doesn’t have much to draw attention from the natur­al attractions in its vicinity.