Frodsham Hill Wood

Steep paths wind through this proper patch of ancient woodland that rewards the effort with sweeping views across the Mersey Valley. The climb from Frodsham isn't gentle - expect your calves to complain - but once you're up among the mature oaks and beeches, it's easy to see why locals treasure this spot.

Families with energetic kids will love the scramble potential, though pushchairs are a definite no-go. The network of paths can keep walkers occupied for a good couple of hours, and there's enough variety to prevent children getting bored too quickly. Dog walkers seem to treat it as their local paradise.

Bring decent footwear - the paths can get properly muddy after rain, and some sections are steep enough to make you grateful for grip. The woodland feels wild enough to be exciting without being genuinely challenging, making it ideal for families staying at nearby sites like Lady Heyes Holiday Park or The Ridgeway Country Holiday Park.

From the higher sections, you'll catch glimpses of the Mersey estuary and the Welsh hills beyond. It's not spectacular enough to plan a whole day around, but as a morning leg-stretch or afternoon adventure from your Cheshire base, it hits the spot nicely. The peace once you're away from the main paths is worth the initial grunt uphill.