Rough Wood

Dark paths wind through dense canopy where ancient oaks tower overhead and brambles catch at your sleeves. Rough Wood lives up to its name - this isn't your manicured country park with helpful waymarkers every fifty metres. The forest sprawls across the Derbyshire countryside near Ashbourne, offering proper woodland walking where you might actually lose the path for a bit.

Families with small children should think twice unless the kids are proper outdoor types who don't mind muddy boots and the odd nettle sting. Dog walkers and serious ramblers will love the authentic feel of the place. The tracks can get boggy after rain, so decent footwear is essential.

No visitor centre or facilities here - just woodland as it should be, with birdsong replacing the chatter of crowds. Allow a good hour or two if you want to explore properly, though you could easily spend half a day wandering the various paths that branch off through the trees. Spring brings bluebells carpeting the forest floor, while autumn offers spectacular colour.

Perfect for campers staying at nearby Callow Top Holiday Park or Sandybrook Lodges who fancy a proper countryside walk without the Peak District tourist hordes. Just don't expect signage telling you about every tree species - Rough Wood keeps its secrets to itself.