Glencoyne Wood

The woods here run down to Ullswater's eastern shore, and it's the kind of place that justifies a morning's wander if you're camped nearby. Ancient oaks and conifers create proper woodland walking - the sort where you actually feel shut away from the fells for once, rather than constantly chasing views. The paths are decent enough underfoot, threading through between the trees with occasional glimpses of the water through the branches. Allow an hour or so to get a real feel for it without rushing, though you could do a quick 30-minute loop if time's tight.

It works well for families who've had their fill of peaks and want something gentler, though younger kids might find it a bit samey after the initial novelty wears off. Anyone after a proper woodland walk with minimal elevation gain will appreciate the relative flatness. The forest takes up the better part of a morning from Penrith or any of the surrounding campsites - Crossgate Luxury Glamping and Sykeside are virtually on the doorstep, making it an obvious choice if you're staying put for a few days.

Getting there's straightforward enough if you've got your own transport, though I'd suggest going early to dodge any crowds at peak times. There's no charge that I'm aware of, and the wood itself is free-access. It's not going to blow your mind like a ridge walk might, but for a break from altitude and a proper bit of forest immersion, it does the job well. Pair it with Ullswater itself if you want to split the day - the lake's right there, after all.