Deans Rough

The woodland around Deans Rough, just outside Macclesfield, is the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan a trip around - which is precisely why it works. It's proper forest walking territory: dense trees, decent paths, the sort of spot where you can actually lose the sound of the road within five minutes.

You're looking at mixed woodland with some open areas, good for an hour or two of rambling if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan sites like Sycamore Farm or Woodlands Park. The paths are manageable without being manicured, so families with kids old enough to walk should get on fine. Buggies, though? You'll struggle.

This isn't a destination in itself - be honest with yourself about that. But if you're based at Greenfields Campsite or Royal Vale for a week, this is exactly the sort of local walk that stops you going mad on a drizzly afternoon. The forest does its job: trees, fresh air, a bit of space. Go early to beat the dog walkers, and don't expect facilities. There's no visitor centre, no cafe, no charge as far as anyone can tell. Just woodland doing what woodland does. Worth the detour from camp? Only if you've got the time and the legs for it.