Westheads Clough

Head into the Lancashire countryside near Skelmersdale and you'll find Westheads Clough - a proper ravine that cuts through the landscape with steep wooded sides and a stream running through the bottom. It's the sort of place that feels miles from anywhere, even though you're only a stone's throw from town. The walk down takes you through trees and past moss-covered rocks; the stream itself is quiet most days unless there's been heavy rain, when it becomes genuinely dramatic. This is genuinely worth the detour if you're staying at nearby glamping spots like The Secret Garden - it's close enough for a couple of hours out, far enough to feel like you've properly escaped. The clough works best for walkers who don't mind uneven ground and roots underfoot. Kids can scramble about on the rocks, though younger ones will need watching on the steeper sections. Allow a solid hour if you're going to explore properly rather than just peek and leave. It's free to visit, open year-round, though autumn when the light filters through the trees is particularly good. The whole thing feels like a secret that locals know but tourists miss - which is exactly why you should go.