East Strip

A proper walk through ancient woodland just outside Morpeth, East Strip lives up to its name - a long, thin slice of forest that cuts through the Northumberland landscape. The trees are dense enough that you lose the outside world pretty quickly, even though you're minutes from town. Expect mixed woodland, some decent shade on hot days, and the kind of quiet that makes you remember why people bother with forests at all.

It's not a destination in itself - you're looking at maybe an hour's wander if you take it slow - but it's brilliant for stretching your legs between other activities. Families with kids who don't need constant stimulation will be fine here; there's enough to keep them occupied spotting wildlife and jumping over fallen logs. Dog walkers love it for obvious reasons.

The woodland floor can get muddy even days after rain, so decent boots aren't optional. Best visited in late spring or early autumn when you're not battling either swarms of midges or the full force of summer heat bouncing off the canopy.

If you're staying at Forget Me Not Country Park nearby - and it's only 5.4 miles away - East Strip works as a straightforward morning or late-afternoon walk without needing to plan anything elaborate. Free access, no gates, no faffing about. Just turn up and enjoy the trees.