Bowerhouse Bank Wood

The woods above Holmrook have a quiet, slightly overgrown feel to them - less manicured than you might expect from a Cumbrian forest walk, which is precisely why they're worth a visit. Bowerhouse Bank Wood is a proper slice of native woodland that sprawls across the fellside, with paths that wind between oak and birch without any sense of being herded along a tourist route.

What you get here are decent woodland walks of varying length, depending on how ambitious you're feeling. The trees are old enough to give proper shade, and there's enough variation in terrain to keep it interesting rather than just trudging along a flat bridleway. On a clear day you'll catch glimpses toward the Lake District fells, which is a bonus rather than the main event.

This works best for walkers who actually enjoy woodland itself, not just views from the top. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after thirty minutes, but older children who like the idea of exploring will get on fine. The nearest campsite worth mentioning is Fisherground, just 1.6 miles away, so if you're based there this is an easy morning's work.

Timing-wise, you'll want two to three hours depending on which paths you take. Spring and autumn are the obvious picks - less mud than winter, and you'll avoid the summer holiday chaos that can afflict busier Lake District woods. It's free, naturally, and the lack of obvious infrastructure suggests it'll stay that way.