Stone Hag Wood

The woodland around Stone Hag sits in proper Dales territory, a few miles from Leyburn. It's the sort of place where you can wander between old oaks and birch without seeing another soul, following narrow paths that locals clearly know better than any signpost. The name itself comes from an outcrop of weathered stone that juts through the trees - once you spot it, you'll understand why someone thought it looked like a hunched figure.

This is walker territory, mainly. Not a destination for the 'let's pop in for twenty minutes' crowd. You need proper boots and a willingness to lose the path occasionally (it happens). Kids who like climbing on rocks and building sticks into forts will be entertained for hours. Those expecting interpretation panels or a visitor centre will be disappointed - it's just woodland, and that's entirely the point.

Free to access, as far as anyone can tell. Allow two hours minimum if you're actually exploring rather than just cutting through. Best visited after rainfall when the ground's still damp - the paths are clearer and the woodland smells like something from a proper forest, not a dust trap.

It works well as a half-day add-on if you're based at Eastfield Glamping Farm or Pembroke Caravan Park nearby. Neither is far enough to justify a separate trip, but combined with Leyburn's market town shops and the broader Dales walking opportunities, it slots in nicely. Go early on weekends if you want any solitude.