Morrell's Wood

Ancient woodland on the outskirts of Ripon, Morrell's Wood is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. Towering oaks and beech trees create a proper cathedral of green, especially in autumn when the light filters through in golden shafts. It's a working forest, so you'll spot management signs and the occasional timber operation, but don't let that put you off - it only adds to the sense of a living, working landscape.

Walkers will get the most from it. The paths are decent if muddy after rain, and you can spend anywhere from forty minutes to a couple of hours depending on which routes you fancy. Families with young kids will manage fine on the main trails, though expect complaints if they're hoping for facilities - there's nothing here but trees and quiet. History buffs might appreciate that you're walking ancient woodland with deep roots in Yorkshire's past, though there aren't interpretive boards to spell it out.

It's free to wander, as far as we can tell, and there's no formal visitor setup. Go early morning or midweek if you want solitude. If you're camped at Riverside Meadows or Woodhouse Farm, Morrell's Wood makes an excellent leg-stretch between pitches and the nearby attractions around Ripon. Bring decent boots - the ground is often waterlogged - and don't expect it to be manicured. That's precisely why it's worth the detour.