The Dungeon

A sandstone gorge carved out by water over millennia, The Dungeon near Northwich is exactly the sort of woodland walk that makes you forget you're in Cheshire. The cliffs rise up sharply on both sides, with roots snaking across damp earth and the sound of the stream running through the bottom. It's properly atmospheric, especially on an overcast afternoon when mist clings to the rocks.

What you're doing here is essentially a short gorge walk - nothing strenuous, but definitely muddy underfoot after rain. The narrow path winds between the sandstone walls, which glow a warm rust-brown colour when the light hits them right. There's a real sense of being tucked away, despite being mere miles from a town.

This suits walkers far more than families with very small children. The terrain gets boggy, tree roots grab at your ankles, and there's not much to do once you've reached the far end except turn around. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the walk itself, though you can stretch it to two hours if you meander and take photographs. It's free and accessible year-round.

If you're based at Belmont Hall Camping or Pickmere Leisure Park for a longer Cheshire break, The Dungeon makes a solid half-morning outing. It's quiet on weekday mornings and packed with dog walkers on weekends. Go early, go in dry conditions, and bring proper footwear - trainers won't cut it.