Mearbeck Wood

The woodland around Mearbeck sits just outside Settle, a proper walking destination if you're after something low-key between bigger Dales attractions. It's not a manicured nature reserve with visitor centres and gift shops - more a stretch of mixed woodland where locals head to clear their heads. The trees offer decent shelter on drizzly days, which, let's be honest, are most days up here.

You'll find footpaths threading through, good for a bracing hour or so. The woodland's the type where you notice things if you slow down: moss-covered stone walls, the occasional stream, birds you can hear but rarely spot. Kids won't get overstimulated, which is either a blessing or a drawback depending on your lot. It's genuinely free and open whenever you fancy it - no gates, no ticket office, no pretence.

If you're camping at Peaks and Pods nearby (just over 2 miles away) or staying at The Dalesbridge Campsite a bit further out, this works as a morning walk before heading into Settle itself or pushing on towards Malham. Don't expect dramatic viewpoints or rare species - this is walker's woodland, the kind of place where you realise you've been thinking about nothing for twenty minutes. That's its real appeal. Worth the walk if you're in the area, not worth driving from elsewhere specifically.