Halliwell Dene

The walk through Halliwell Dene is proper woodland - steep ravine with a beck running through it, surrounded by tall trees that make you feel a world away from Stocksfield. You're basically following the water downstream, crossing footbridges and picking your way over tree roots. The forest floor is damp and shady, the sort of place that stays green even when everywhere else has turned brown.

It's ideal for walkers who like a bit of up and down without needing full-on hiking boots, though the gradient does catch you out if you're not paying attention. Kids will enjoy splashing in the beck and hunting for sticks, though the path can get slippery after rain - not somewhere to bring a toddler alone. You'll need a good couple of hours to do it justice, maybe longer if you dawdle.

The dene itself is free to access, though there are no facilities that I could find, so bring what you need. Best visited in autumn when the trees are properly colourful, though it's decent any time that's not waterlogged. If you're camping at Valley View just down the road, this makes a solid morning's walk without having to drive anywhere. It won't blow your mind, but it's exactly what you want from a local woodland walk - genuine, quiet, and close enough that you can't really complain about the effort.