High Scales Wood

The woodland around High Scales comes as a proper surprise if you're staying near Holmrook. It's genuine Lakeland forest - tall conifers mixed with native broadleaf, the kind of place where the light filters through in green shafts and you can actually hear yourself think. Not a manicured visitor attraction with waymarked trails and interpretation boards. This is honest woodland walking.

You'll find yourself on decent paths between the trees, though they can get boggy after rain so decent boots matter. The forest floor is thick with needles and leaf litter. It's the sort of wood where you might spot red squirrels if you're quiet enough, and the bird life is worth your attention too. Most people allow 45 minutes to an hour for a decent wander through here, depending on how far you push in.

It works brilliantly as a half-day leg-stretch if you're based at Fisherground Campsite just down the road. The walk itself is free and open to the public. Kids who like spotting wildlife will get something from it. Serious hikers might find it a bit low-key compared to the fells that dominate the area, but that's partly the point - sometimes you want forest shade rather than ridge wind.

Go early in the morning if you want any chance of seeing deer. Midday it's quieter anyway, fewer dog walkers about. It's a genuinely restorative spot rather than a destination in itself.