Hagg Wood

Ancient woodland stretches across the hillside about ten minutes' drive from Penrith, offering proper rambling country without the Lake District crowds. Hagg Wood feels wonderfully forgotten - the sort of place where you'll hear more birdsong than footsteps.

Old oak and beech trees create a lovely canopy overhead, with well-worn paths threading through the undergrowth. It's brilliant for families with older children who fancy a proper walk rather than a gentle stroll. The terrain can be a bit rough underfoot after rain, so decent boots are worth bringing.

Dog walkers absolutely love it here - plenty of space for hounds to roam and interesting scents to follow. You could easily spend a couple of hours exploring the various tracks, though younger kids might get restless after an hour or so.

The wood sits conveniently close to several holiday parks around the southern Lakes, making it a cracking spot for stretching your legs between Windermere and the northern fells. Park Cliffe and Hill of Oaks are both within two miles, so it's an easy morning excursion if you're staying in the area. Just don't expect any facilities - this is proper countryside walking where you bring your own refreshments and take your rubbish home.