Crabtree Dale Wood

The woodland floor at Crabtree Dale is properly spongy underfoot - moss-covered and damp even when the sun's been out for days. It's a modest forest, nothing vast, but the mix of mature oaks and birches creates that lovely dappled light that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

This is walker territory, though not demanding stuff. The paths meander gently through the trees, and there's something satisfying about it - no scrambling, no GPS required, just quiet forest. Bring the kids if they're the type who like poking about in undergrowth and spotting birds rather than charging around. Expect 45 minutes to an hour if you're dawdling, which you will be.

Holmrook's just down the road, so it's handy for a morning outing before heading elsewhere. Combined with Fisherground Campsite nearby - that's excellent for camping - you could easily work it into a longer Cumbrian ramble. The woodland isn't spectacular, won't stop you in your tracks, but it's the sort of place that restores you without fuss. Free to access, no facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared with decent boots and bring a waterproof just in case. Winter and early spring are probably best - fewer midges, and the bare branches let you see further into the wood.