Maskriggs Wood

Ancient woodland cloaks the landscape just outside Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Maskriggs Wood offers the kind of walk that feels properly removed from the world. The forest floor is thick with moss and fallen timber. You're surrounded by gnarled oaks and beeches that have been here for centuries, their trunks twisted and scarred by age.

This isn't a manicured nature reserve with interpretation boards and tarmac paths. It's raw woodland walking - uneven ground, roots underfoot, the occasional muddy section that requires a bit of care. The canopy closes in overhead, which means it feels secretive even on busy days. Light filters through in pale green shafts, especially lovely in spring when bluebells bloom across the forest floor.

Walkers will get the most out of this. Families with older children who don't need constant entertainment do fine here, but toddlers might struggle with the terrain. Allow an hour for a decent loop without rushing. There's something meditative about the place - you'll see why locals keep coming back.

Combine this with Wild Rose Holiday Park just a few miles south, and you've got a solid base for exploring the Eden Valley. The woodland itself sits away from the main tourist drag, which is exactly why it works. No crowds, no fanfare, just good forest. Go when it's been dry - the paths are considerably less treacherous.