Fulshaw Wood

The woodland around Fulshaw stretches across Lancashire hillside in proper forest fashion - dense deciduous trees, leaf litter underfoot, and the kind of quiet you don't get near towns. It's the sort of place where you actually hear birds instead of traffic, which alone makes the short drive from Clitheroe worthwhile.

What you get here is straightforward woodland walking. There are trails threading through, nothing overly marked but navigable if you've got a basic sense of direction. The ground can be boggy in wet weather - I'd recommend proper boots rather than trainers. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slow, less if you just want a quick circuit to shake the stiffness out.

This works particularly well for families who want their kids tired out before evening. Teenagers might find it a bit boring, but younger ones tend to enjoy the freedom of exploring among the trees. It's also decent for dog walkers, assuming you're happy with the mud that inevitably comes home with them.

Stay at Cross Lane Caravan Park just down the road and you've got easy access without needing to plan anything fancy. No facilities within the wood itself - bring water if you're making a day of it. The woodland is free to wander, which is the best kind of local treasure. It's not dramatic or spectacular, but it's genuine Lancashire greenery and proper value for time.