Motcarn Spink

Dense woodland stretches across rolling hills just outside Ashbourne, offering proper walking country without the Peak District crowds. Motcarn Spink is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than specifically seek out - a patch of mixed forest that feels wonderfully forgotten.

Families with older children who can handle uneven terrain will find this rewarding, though it's not pushchair-friendly territory. The paths wind between mature trees with enough variety to keep things interesting for an hour or two. Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their patch, which tells you something about the quality of the rambling.

Expect to work for your views - there are glimpses across the Derbyshire countryside, but nothing spectacular enough to warrant a special journey. It's more about the walk itself and that lovely sense of having the woods largely to yourself.

Perfect for stretching legs if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Sandybrook Lodges or Ashbourne Heights. The forest connects well with longer walks heading towards the Peak District proper, making it a decent starting point for more ambitious hikers. Just don't expect facilities - bring your own water and snacks.