Chicken's Wood

You won't find sign-posted trails or visitor centres at Chicken's Wood - it's a proper working forest that feels more like stumbling upon something locals have kept quiet about. The woodland sits a few miles from Derecroft and stretches across decent acreage with a genuine mix of conifer and broadleaf trees, the kind of place where you can actually get lost if you're not paying attention to which path you've taken.

Walkers get the most from it. The terrain's manageable rather than punishing, and there's something satisfying about picking your own route through the trees instead of following a heavily worn trail. Spring's when it comes alive - bluebells carpet the forest floor - but autumn brings its own appeal with decent colour and the crunch underfoot. An hour or two is enough to feel like you've had a proper woodland wander without overdoing it.

There's no entrance fee that we could establish, which makes it an easy addition to a park holiday at Valley View Camping & Glamping just down the road. The campsite itself sits at 5.0 stars, so you're looking at decent facilities if you're basing yourself there. Chicken's Wood works best as a morning outing before heading back for lunch rather than an all-day mission. Wear decent boots - the forest floor gets boggy after rain, and you'll thank yourself for the grip. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of curiosity but doesn't demand much in return.