Worm Wood

Worm Wood is a proper woodland walk just outside Bakewell, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The forest floor is thick with leaf litter and moss, with mature trees creating that soft, dappled light that makes everything feel a bit more peaceful than it has any right to be.

It's ideal for walkers who want something low-key without the crowds you'd get at better-known spots. The trails wind through mixed woodland - mostly oak and beech - and there's a decent network of paths to explore without needing a map, though one wouldn't go amiss. You're looking at an hour to ninety minutes if you want to wander properly and stop to admire things.

Families with younger kids might find it a touch dull after the initial excitement of climbing over fallen trees wears off, but teenagers or anyone who enjoys a quiet woodland ramble will be content. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - the canopy cover attracts decent numbers of woodland species.

If you're based at Knotlow Farm Caravan & Campsite just down the road, this makes a proper addition to your Derbyshire itinerary without eating up half a day. It's free to access and there's no formal car park situation that I'm aware of, so arrive early if you're visiting weekend mornings. Spring and autumn are best - summer can feel a bit claustrophobic under all that canopy, and winter turns the paths into mud traps.