Scriddles Wood

The woodland around Scriddles Wood, just outside Northallerton, is proper walking country. Ancient mixed forest with a good network of trails - nothing too demanding, just steady ground through beech and oak with the occasional steep bit that catches you out if you're not paying attention.

It's the sort of place where an hour turns into two hours without you noticing. You'll find decent footpaths throughout, and on a clear day the views opening out towards the edge of the moors are well worth the leg work. Families with primary-school-aged kids manage it fine; little ones might struggle with the distance unless you're picking the shorter loops.

Historically, this corner of North Yorkshire has been worked woodland for centuries - you can still spot the evidence if you look. No obvious visitor facilities that I could find, so come prepared with water and something to eat. The forest floor can be muddy after rain, so proper boots are a good shout.

If you're staying at Whorlton Pods just down the road, this makes an excellent morning walk without eating into your day. It's not the most dramatic woodland in Yorkshire by a long way, but it's accessible, genuine, and doesn't feel like it's been trampled to death by crowds. That's worth something.