Slater's Plantation

Slater's Plantation sits quietly in the hills south of Leyburn, a working forest that feels properly off the beaten track. This isn't some manicured woodland with visitor centres and gift shops - it's genuinely working forestry, which means the trees are actually doing something rather than just looking nice for photographs.

Walking through here is straightforward enough. The paths wind between conifers and broadleaf mix, and you get proper views across Wensleydale if you find the right spots. On a decent day it's excellent - on a grey one, it's just trees. That's forests for you. The main appeal is the quietness. You won't run into crowds here, which makes a nice change from some of the more famous spots in the dale.

It works well for walkers looking to add a morning or afternoon loop to a wider holiday. If you're staying at Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park nearby, this could slot in nicely rather than being a destination in itself. Families will manage it fine on suitable routes, though there's nothing dramatic enough to hold young kids' attention for more than an hour or so. Serious hikers might find it a bit tame compared to higher ground in the Pennines.

The real strength is accessibility. You can be in decent woodland within minutes of Leyburn, which saves the drive to somewhere grander. Bring a waterproof regardless of what the forecast says - these places always feel damper than you expect. Free to roam, no facilities worth mentioning. Go when the light's decent.