In reply to Mike Peacock:
The forest was closed for felling for a few years, but now open, although it was recently closed for deer culling, temporarily. There is a small car park between Johnby and the crossroads, which is hard to spot, with several walks from there. Toadstools abound here in autumn and red squirrels are around. Eycott Hill nature reserve is another place to bimble , close to Greystoke, with amazing views and slightly boggy paths.