Old Wood

Old Wood delivers the sort of straightforward forest walk that Lancashire does rather well - nothing fancy, just proper woodland with room to breathe. It's the kind of place you might stumble upon by accident while exploring the countryside around Croston, and you'd be pleased you did. The trees are old enough to feel established, the paths are generally walkable, and there's genuine quiet here, which counts for a lot when you're escaping the usual tourist traps.

Walkers will get the most from a visit. It's not a destination that demands hours of your time - most people will want somewhere between 45 minutes and two hours depending on how meandering you feel. Families with younger children might find it pleasant for an afternoon stretch, though there's nothing dramatic enough to hold their attention if they're the type who need activities. History enthusiasts won't find much to chew on, and neither will anyone after dramatic views.

Access details are thin on the ground, so assume you'll need to check locally or via local walking forums before heading out. Croston itself is small and proper, the sort of place where a cafe and a pub are considered sufficient retail therapy.

If you're based at Royal Umpire Caravan Park or one of the other sites dotted within five miles, Old Wood makes a decent half-day sortie. It won't dominate your holiday, but it's the sort of genuine Lancashire woodland that reminds you why you bothered leaving home.