Becksalkeld wood

The woodland around Becksalkeld, just outside Wigton, is proper Cumbrian forest - dense, quiet, and the sort of place where you half expect to bump into a red squirrel round every corner. It's not a manicured attraction with visitor centres or marked trails, just genuine mixed woodland that locals have been walking through for years.

What makes it worth a visit is the simplicity of it. You're looking at native broadleaf and conifer mix, the kind of landscape that typifies this corner of the Lake District's northern edge. There are paths through the wood, though you'll need to be comfortable navigating without constant signposting - bring a decent map or offline OS map on your phone. It's ideal for a proper walk rather than a casual stroll, and families with older kids who don't need hand-holding will get far more out of it than toddlers.

The best time to visit is autumn, when the light cuts through the canopy something beautiful and you're less likely to be squelching through mud. Spring's decent too if you hit a dry spell. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a circular walk; there's no rush here.

If you're camping at any of the nearby sites - Forest Views or Skiddaw View are closest to Wigton - Becksalkeld works as an easy morning outing. It won't be the highlight of your holiday, but it's the sort of local wood walk that gives you the feel of the area without fighting crowds.