Foxhole Wood

Dense broadleaf woodland spreads across the hillside just outside Ashbourne, offering proper countryside rambling without the Dales crowds. Foxhole Wood feels genuinely wild - no sanitised nature trails here, just footpaths that wind through oak and ash stands where you might spot deer if you're quiet enough.

Walkers and dog owners will love this place. The terrain varies from gentle slopes to some properly steep sections that'll get the heart pumping. Families with older children who don't mind getting their boots muddy will find plenty to explore, though pushchairs are definitely out of the question.

No visitor centre, no car park fees, no gift shop - just woodland doing what woodland does best. Allow a couple of hours if you want to properly explore, though you could easily spend longer if you're the type who likes to sit on fallen logs and listen to birdsong.

The wood sits perfectly between several holiday parks around Ashbourne, making it an easy morning walk from places like Sandybrook Lodges or Ashbourne Heights Holiday Park. After tramping through the trees, Ashbourne's cafes and pubs are only a short drive away for a well-earned lunch. It's free countryside therapy, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.