Hodge Wood

Hodge Wood sits just outside Penrith, a proper woodland walk that's less about drama and more about getting some green into your lungs. It's genuine forest - the kind with decent paths underfoot and enough tree cover to feel properly away from it all, even though the town's barely ten minutes off. You can wander for an hour or more if the mood takes you, or duck in for a quick circuit before heading into Penrith for lunch. The wood itself is straightforward: no bells and whistles, just birch and conifers doing what they do best.

Families with young walkers will find it manageable - the paths are clear enough that you're not fighting through brambles - though expect the ground to be muddy after rain. Older kids won't find it thrilling unless they're into spotting birds or identifying trees, but that's the point really. It's not Instagram-ready or dramatic. It's just a wood.

If you're camped at Howdy Glamping just down the road, or staying anywhere around Penrith at one of the other sites nearby, this is a decent morning outing. Pair it with a walk through Penrith itself or a longer route into the Lake District proper if you want more spine. There's no cafe or facilities inside, so sort yourself out in town first. Free to access as far as I can tell, and you can park reasonably close by. Worth the detour if you're after a straightforward walk without the effort of heading higher up into the fells.