Black Brows Close

Dense woodland carpets the hillside above Windermere, and Black Brows Close offers proper fell-side rambling without the crowds that pack the more famous Lake District spots. This working forest spreads across steep terrain south of the lake, with rough paths threading between mature conifers and patches of native broadleaf trees.

Walkers looking for a decent workout will find plenty here - the terrain climbs sharply in places, and you'll need proper boots if it's been wet. The paths aren't waymarked like National Trust routes, so it's more for confident hikers than families with young children. That said, older kids who don't mind a scramble will love the adventure of finding their own way through.

Views through the trees catch glimpses of Windermere below, though you won't get the sweeping panoramas of the higher fells. What you do get is proper solitude and the satisfying crunch of forest floor underfoot. Allow a good two hours if you're exploring thoroughly.

Perfect for a morning trek if you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Windermere - Park Cliffe or Hill of Oaks are both handy starting points. The forest works well as a contrast to busier Lake District attractions, giving you that proper outdoors feeling without fighting for parking spaces.