Catgill Plantation

You won't find crowds at Catgill Plantation, and that's rather the point. This modest woodland near Richmond sits off the beaten track - the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident. It's essentially a working forest with footpaths threading through it, nothing grand or signposted to death, which means you actually get to experience a bit of proper countryside without the visitor centre nonsense.

The walks are straightforward enough, ranging from quick fifteen-minute loops to longer rambles if you're keen. The trees are dense in places, with mature conifers mixed in alongside broadleaves, so even in drizzly weather the canopy keeps you reasonably dry. Come spring or early summer and the light filters through nicely. Winter's fine too if you like bare branches and squelchy ground.

It's the sort of place that works well as a quiet interlude during a holiday in the area rather than a day-long destination. Pop in for an hour whilst you're exploring the Swaledale valley, perhaps combine it with a visit to nearby Kiplin Country Park or Pembroke Caravan Park if you're camping. Families won't find play equipment or facilities - there's no cafe, no toilets - so come prepared. Walkers and anyone after a bit of solitude will rate it. Dog walkers especially, since there's proper room to let them loose on the paths. Free to enter, no parking charges that I could find, and genuinely undisturbed.