Fox Hole Wood

The woodland floor at Fox Hole Wood is thick with moss and fallen leaves - the kind of place where you actually notice the smell of damp earth and ancient trees. It's a proper forest walk just outside Derby, the sort that makes you forget you're anywhere near a town at all. The paths wind through dense woodland with enough variety to keep things interesting without demanding serious hill-walking ability. You can easily spend an hour or two here, longer if you're the type to stop and actually look at things. It's the kind of place families do well at - the paths are manageable for kids who can walk a bit, though it's not suitable for pushchairs. There's real woodland atmosphere without feeling remotely touristy. The light filters through the canopy in that particular way that makes photographers fiddly, and walkers tend to be proper walkers rather than people in unsuitable footwear. If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites - Broadleaves, Hill Farm, or Field of Dreams are all within a couple of miles - this is an excellent morning or afternoon filler that doesn't require advance planning. No admission charges that I'm aware of, and you can park easily. The main thing: go when it's not raining if you can manage it. After rain the paths get boggy and you'll spend more time concentrating on your feet than enjoying the walk.