Cathay's Moss

A proper forest walk rather than a landscaped garden, Cathay's Moss sits just outside Ellesmere and rewards you with something you don't get everywhere - genuine woodland that feels like nobody's combed it too much. The paths wind through mixed forest with decent specimens of birch and pine, and in spring the ground cover is genuinely worth seeing if you're into that sort of thing.

It's the kind of place walkers actually enjoy because there's no forced viewing platforms or café at the top. You're just walking through trees for the sake of it, which some will find brilliant and others might find a bit thin if they're expecting something obviously spectacular. Allow an hour to hour-and-a-half depending on which paths you take - nothing's signed with military precision, so it's pleasantly low-key rather than heavily managed.

Families with young kids might get restless unless they're genuinely keen on spotting wildlife - there's not much in terms of dramatic vistas or scrambling opportunities to keep them occupied. Adults who like a quiet forest ramble, though, will find it worthwhile before or after exploring the lakes around Ellesmere itself.

If you're staying at Abbey Green Farm just down the road - decent spot for a touring base - this makes an easy morning out without any faffing about with car journeys. Spring and autumn are your best bets weather-wise. Free to access, informal opening, no facilities that I'm aware of so bring your own snacks.