Brick Kiln Wood

The woodland around Brick Kiln Wood, just outside Cockermouth, offers proper walking territory if you're after something quieter than the Lake District's busier peaks. It's a modest forest - nothing dramatic - but the paths are straightforward and the trees give you shelter from wind that can whip across the fells elsewhere in Cumbria.

You get mixed woodland here: some older growth, plenty of room to move without feeling hemmed in. The walking is gently rolling rather than strenuous, which makes it decent for families with younger legs or anyone wanting a couple of hours in the trees without needing fell boots. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared - bring water, check the weather, wear proper shoes on potentially muddy ground.

What it's actually for is straightforward rambling. You won't find viewpoints that stop you in your tracks or dramatic forest features. It works best as part of a broader Cumbrian walking week rather than a destination in itself. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Castle Guards Farm Retreat is closest at under two miles, or Forest Views Caravan Park a bit further out - this makes a useful leg-stretching option on a day when the high peaks look inhospitable or you just fancy something gentler.

Allow a couple of hours for a decent walk without rushing. The access is free, though you'll want to park sensibly and respect the land. Early morning visits mean you might see more wildlife, though the forest itself is fairly standard North West woodland rather than anything particularly special.