Lyneal Moss

The walk through Lyneal Moss takes you into proper bogland, which is rare enough in England to feel properly wild. You're tramping through sphagnum moss, sundews, and the occasional bog myrtle - the sort of landscape that most people never get to experience because so much of it's been drained away over the centuries.

It's not a destination that'll keep you going for hours. A good hour or so should see you round the main bits, depending on how carefully you move and whether you stop to photograph the dragonflies. But that's precisely the point - this is a place for poking about rather than powering through. Bring wellies, not trainers. The ground is genuinely squelchy, and you will sink a bit.

Walkers and nature enthusiasts will find far more here than families with small kids. The bogland has its own stark beauty - no dramatic views, nothing Instagram-obvious, just the rather haunting appeal of a landscape that's survived intact. Close to Ellesmere, which offers some proper lake walks if you want something more conventional afterwards.

The moss sits well within reach of Abbey Green Farm Camping & Touring Park, less than four miles away - excellent base if you're planning a proper weekend of local walking. Lower Lacon Caravan Park is another option five miles out. Both work fine if you're combining this with the lakes and gentle Shropshire countryside nearby.

Free to visit, naturally. No facilities on site, so sort yourself out in Ellesmere first.