The Scrogg

The Scrogg is a proper working forest just outside Consett, the kind of place locals know about but visitors often miss. It's not a manicured woodland with interpretive boards at every turn - this is genuine forestry land where you can walk among the conifers and older deciduous trees without feeling like you're on a conveyor belt of scenic stops.

What you get here is straightforward: a network of forest trails through mixed woodland, decent for stretching the legs and getting some air if you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby like Bonners Lodge or Allensford Holiday Park. The terrain is manageable enough for families with older kids, though it's not the kind of place that'll captivate under-eights for hours on end. Walkers and photography types will find more to occupy themselves - light filters nicely through the canopy depending on the season.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared. No fees either as far as I can tell, which is refreshing. Allow an hour or so for a decent walk depending on which routes you take. The best time is autumn when the light's softer and the undergrowth less tangled, though it's fine year-round if the weather's holding.

It works well as a leg-stretcher between caravan site days, particularly if you're staying at Manor Park or Village Green just down the road. Don't expect a destination attraction - think of it as a solid local resource for a morning walk rather than something you'll plan a trip around.