Key Heads

Walk into Key Heads and you're immediately hemmed in by tall conifers that block out most of the sky. It's a proper forest - dark in places, quiet, with the ground soft underfoot. The woodland sits just outside Grange-over-Sands, making it accessible for a half-day ramble without needing to venture far into the hills.

The main appeal here is straightforward: woodland walking through dense conifer plantation. There are tracks to follow, though nothing demanding. If you're staying at Haven Lakeland Leisure Park nearby and want to escape the park for a couple of hours, this does the job. Kids will either love it or get restless after 45 minutes depending on their tolerance for "just trees". The forest doesn't have viewpoints or dramatic clearings to break things up.

Bring proper walking boots - it can be muddy and slippery after rain. Allow a couple of hours to wander without rushing. There's a sombre quality to conifer forests that some find peaceful and others find a bit oppressive, so go in knowing what you're after.

Worth the detour from your caravan? Only if you're keen on woodland walking and want a low-key alternative to the Lake District's busier spots. It's free to access and works as a quick leg-stretch, but don't expect anything spectacular. Go for the quiet, not the scenery.