Far Skitebeck

Far Skitebeck is a proper woodland walk just outside Carlisle, the sort of place that rewards a bit of poking around on foot. You're looking at mixed forest - deciduous and conifer - with enough paths to keep you occupied for a couple of hours without feeling regimented about it. The ground gets boggy in patches, which is fine if you're wearing decent boots, less fine if you've turned up in trainers.

It's best suited to walkers who don't need signage holding their hand. Families with primary-aged kids will find enough space to let them run about, though there's nothing specifically laid on - no play equipment, no visitor centre, just trees and quiet. If you're after a proper nature spot rather than a manicured attraction, that's precisely the appeal. Early morning or late afternoon are when you're most likely to spot wildlife; midday it can feel a bit empty.

Being free and unrestricted, you can turn up whenever you fancy. Allow ninety minutes to three hours depending on how thorough you want to be. The tracks are manageable year-round, though autumn and spring tend to be the most pleasant - summer can feel airless under the canopy.

If you're based at Englethwaite Hall just up the road, or at Eden Valley Glamping nearby, Far Skitebeck works as a morning walk before you head elsewhere. It's unpretentious enough that you won't feel you've wasted time if the weather turns, but good enough that you'll be glad you went.