Ratherheath Plantations

You won't find Ratherheath Plantations on many tourist maps, which is precisely why it's worth the short drive from Kendal. This is proper forest walking territory - conifers thick on the ground, the kind of place where you actually hear yourself think. The plantation spreads across manageable terrain with decent paths that won't leave you soaked if the weather's been kind.

It's a solid choice for families who want a woodland walk without the Lake District crowds bearing down on you. Kids do well here because there's room to move, fallen logs to clamber over, and enough natural interest to keep them engaged for a couple of hours. If you're after epic views or a challenging scramble, look elsewhere. This is about being among the trees, listening to it rain through the canopy, spotting the odd bit of wildlife.

The nearest decent base is Kendal, just a few miles away. If you're camping at Kendal Camping and Caravanning Club Site or one of the other parks locally - The Ashes or the Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - Ratherheath slots in nicely as a half-day activity alongside the bigger fell walks. It requires no special equipment, no planning, and won't require an early start to beat the crowds.

Allow two to three hours if you want a proper explore, less if you're just after a quick stretch of the legs. Admission details are hard to pin down, but access appears to be straightforward. Best visited when the ground's not boggy - so late spring through early autumn.