Ellermire wood

A decent woodland walk on the edge of Cockermouth, Ellermire Wood offers proper forest walking without needing to venture deep into the Lake District proper. The trees are tall enough to feel like you've actually gone somewhere, and there's enough of a network to potter about for an hour or two without getting bored senseless.

It's the sort of place that works well for families with younger kids - not so vast that anyone gets properly lost, but varied enough that you're not trudging the same loop twice. Dog walkers love it, and it's genuinely free to access, which counts for something when you're after a quick morning walk before breakfast. The woodland floor is uneven in places, so it's not ideal for pushchairs, but anyone with decent walking legs will manage fine.

Timing-wise, allow 45 minutes to an hour for a proper wander. Early morning is best - you'll actually see wildlife and won't be sharing the paths with the school run crowd. Autumn's the obvious winner weather-wise, though it gets a bit boggy underfoot after heavy rain.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Castle Guards Farm Retreat is practically on the doorstep - this makes a solid before-breakfast diversion before you head elsewhere. It's not going to replace a proper Lake District hike, but as a local warm-up or a rainy-day plan when the fells are socked in, it does its job. Nothing fancy, but honest woodland.