Long Rake Plantation

A sprawling woodland that stretches across the hillsides above Bakewell, Long Rake Plantation feels properly off the radar despite being just minutes from the market town. It's a working forest - you'll spot the occasional felled tree and access roads - but that's part of its charm. The plantation covers enough ground to get genuinely lost in, with a decent network of forest tracks cutting through dense conifers and the odd open clearing where you can actually see where you're going.

The main appeal here is straightforward: it's excellent for walkers who want proper woodland without the crowds you'd find in, say, the nearby national park areas. Bring a decent map or download offline trails beforehand, because mobile signal is patchy and there's precious little in the way of signage. The terrain varies from gentle forest floor ambles to steeper climbs depending on which direction you head. On a grey Derbyshire afternoon, it's moody and atmospheric. On a clear day, you can work your way to edges with views across to Bakewell and beyond.

Families with older kids will find it rewarding - younger ones might get bored after an hour unless they're properly into den-building and bark-spotting. The proximity to Knotlow Farm, just 5.2 miles away with its caravan pitches and glamping pods, makes it a decent day option if you're based in the area. Allow two to three hours for a satisfying circuit. There's no entrance fee or visitor facilities, so come prepared with water and appropriate footwear.