Swarther Plantation

The woodland at Swarther Plantation near Kendal is proper fell country - tall conifers mixed with deciduous trees that get a decent bit of wind up here. You're walking through a working forest more than a manicured attraction, which means it feels less touristy than many spots around the Lakes.

There's good cover if the weather turns, which it will. The paths are straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find the terrain a bit relentless. Walkers after a genuine route rather than a tourist tick-box will appreciate how quiet it stays, even in summer. The canopy work is old-school forestry - no fancy interpretation boards or facilities, just trees and the occasional views back toward Kendal.

How long you spend depends entirely on your ambition. A casual potter takes an hour. A proper walk through the plantation could stretch to half the day if you link it with surrounding footpaths. It's free to access, which is always welcome.

For a caravan holiday based at Kendal Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - just five miles away - this works as a solid wet-day option or a morning escape before heading somewhere busier like Orrest Head or Catbells. It won't steal your holiday highlight, but it's a sensible thing to do if you're in the area and the sky's threatening. Not essential, but solid.