High Clump

High Clump is a proper woodland walk tucked away near Shildon in County Durham - nothing fancy, just a decent stretch of forest where you can actually lose the crowds. The trails wind through mixed woodland with enough height variation to keep things interesting without being punishing. It's the sort of place where you spot the occasional muntjac deer if you're lucky, and the canopy does a proper job of keeping you dry when the drizzle rolls in.

This works best for walkers who want a straightforward ramble rather than a destination in itself. Families with school-age kids will find enough woodland interest to keep them engaged for an hour or so, though younger children might not stretch to the full circuit. The forest has that nice damp earth smell and proper peace and quiet - you won't find it heaving on weekends.

Access appears to be free, and you can knock out a decent loop in anything from 45 minutes to two hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to check which bird that was. Early morning or midweek visits give you the best chance of solitude.

If you're based at Eden Grange Glamping or Donnewell Farm just down the road, High Clump makes for a solid half-day addition to your park holiday. Pair it with some proper walking elsewhere in the area rather than making the forest your main event - it's a good warm-up, not the main course.