Big Wood

Dense woodland stretches across the fells near Penrith, offering proper walking territory for those who fancy escaping the crowds. Big Wood lives up to its name - this is substantial forest that'll give your legs a workout as paths wind through mixed deciduous and coniferous trees.

Families with older children will find plenty to explore here, though the terrain can be uneven and muddy after rain. Dog walkers absolutely love it - endless sniffing opportunities and enough space for energetic breeds to burn off steam. The canopy provides decent shelter on drizzly Lake District days when the fells are shrouded in cloud.

Expect to spend a good two hours if you're doing a proper circuit. No visitor centre or facilities, so come prepared with waterproofs and sturdy footwear. The forest feels genuinely wild in places - exactly what you want when staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Ullswater Holiday Park or Park Foot Holiday Park.

It's free to roam and always accessible, making it a reliable backup plan when weather scuppers mountain walks. The woods connect to wider footpath networks, so seasoned ramblers can easily extend their route. Not spectacular in the Instagram sense, but thoroughly satisfying for anyone seeking proper woodland walking without the Lake District's summer parking nightmares.