Feel good forest walks | Forestry England and Kate Humble's top 10 walks for your wellbeing

Kate Humble against a bluebell woodland backdrop

Kate Humble and Forestry England’s top 10 walks for your wellbeing

Feel good forest walks

The top 10 forest walks for your wellbeing

Kate Humble & Forestry England are encouraging people to put one foot in front of another and soak up the nation's forests.

Kate Humble, TV Presenter says:

“Walking for me is a form of mediation, and the simple act of putting one foot in front of another has extraordinary benefits to my mental wellbeing. It helps me feel relaxed, less anxious and more creative.

“Walks enjoyed in the nation’s forests can be particularly special. I love to follow trails through the trees where with every step you can enjoy the sounds, sights and smells of nature.  Never knowing what wildlife is going to appear on my pathway makes me excited! There is something so simple about walking but the benefits are huge.”

 

Escape the stresses of everyday life and soak up the spring sunshine on one of Forestry England’s carefully selected top 10 walks for your wellbeing.

Alice Holt Visitor Centre in the sunshine

1. Alice Holt Forest – Lodge Pond trail (2.5 miles)

Starting from the hustle and bustle of the play areas this scenic walk leads you into the heart of the woodlands to enjoy peaceful broadleaf woods and mature pine forests. Take a moment to relax by the tranquil Lodge Pond, believed to have been created by medieval monks to breed Carp where you might be lucky enough to see the dragon and damsel flies put on an aerial display.

2. Blackwater, New Forest – Walk the Tall Trees trail (1.5 miles)

Walking the circular ‘Tall Trees Trail’ will take you through an impressive section of the drive amongst towering Douglas fir and mighty redwoods giving you plenty of opportunities to slow down and look up! The path is a flat and fairly smooth gravelled surface with frequent resting places to enjoy the forest atmosphere.

Douglas fir
Sunlight through trees

3. Cannock Chase Forest – The Fairoak trail (2.5 miles)

An easy circular trail, the walk meanders through the forest and opens out into the Fairoak Valley. Here you’ll find the magnificent Fairoak Pools, a rich and important habitat that many wildlife species call home. Stop here and look out for grebes and kingfishers whilst clearing your mind.

4. Dalby Forest – The Adderstone Rigg trail (1.5 miles)

Head into Dalby Forest and explore the naturally sculpted Adder stone with your senses on this gentle walk. The trail follows forest paths and roads through a variety of woodland allowing you the opportunity to ease your stress. You will be met with stunning views over the forest.

Path through the trees in a conifer woodland
Forest Road winding through a Conifer Woodland

5. High Lodge, Thetford Forest – The Fir trail (3 miles)

This trail is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest. Far away from the visitor centre this trail takes you into the heart of the forest, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere with all your senses.

6. Jeskyns Community Woodland – The Broomfield loop (1.5 miles)

A gentle, undulating walk on surfaced paths that leads you through new woodlands, grazed meadows, orchards and ponds. A trail to restore your mood and give you back your energy.

Dogs enjoying a swim in the lake in the woods
Kate Humble looking up at canopy

7. Moors Valley Country Park – The Lookout (1.5 miles)

This lovely meandering route takes you away from the visitor centre into the peace and quiet of the forest. The trail takes you to a secluded spot where you can pause a while and let your stresses drift away, the Lookout. Once here you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the valley.

8. Symonds Yat – Mailscot Wood trail (4 miles)

With spectacular views across the River Wye and the forest beyond, Symonds Yat is a fabulous place to unwind. Take the Mailscot Wood trail through a wonderful mosaic of trees, this challenging and hilly walk offers a sanctuary of calm whilst absorbing panoramic views of the River Wye.

Sunrise over Symonds Yat with mist in the valley
Photo credit: David Broadbent Photography
Mother and child walking on forest path during autumn

9. Wyre Forest – The Buzzard trail (3.25 miles)

The Buzzard trail explores the depths of the forest through beautiful mixed woodlands allowing your mind, body and soul to relax and unwind. The trail takes you along forest tracks and narrow paths, past majestic old oaks, as well as the Wyre Arboretum providing lots of opportunities to slow down and rejuvenate.

10. Haldon Forest – The Butterfly trail (4 miles)

The Butterfly trail leads you on a circular trail to the peaceful depths of the forest. Discover rare butterflies like the Pearl-bordered fritillary whilst bathing in the forest atmosphere. Meander slowly along the trail and take in the stunning views across the forest and over the Teign valley.

Butterfly on leaf

The nation’s forests are so much more than just rural landscapes. With over 1,500 forests across the country, there are limitless ways for you to find your connection and enhance your wellbeing.

If you're feeling inspired, and would like to find a walk near you, search for your nearest forest walk.

Keep exploring

Women in pink coat walking through spring woodland
Blog
14 March 2019
Finding the time to practice mindfulness in the forest can heighten your enjoyment. So what is mindfulness, and how can it help you?
Beech tree leaves close up
What can your forests do for you?
Wellbeing - what can your forest do for you? Forests are places where you can play, seek adventure or take care of your wellbeing. Whether it’s an adrenaline-fuelled bike ride or sitting quietly on the forest floor, woodlands can provide the perfect environment for taking some time out. More and more research is showing that time spent in woodlands can offer significant health and wellbeing benefits.
The Blog
Article
10 February 2024
The Forestry England blog is packed with inspiration, activities, competitions and updates from England's forests. Sign up and let us know your preferences for inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
family walking through forest of dean
Find one near you
With thousands of forests across the country, there's opportunity for adventure closer than you might think. Find your nearest forest for walking now.

Kate's book "Thinking on my feet" discusses the wellbeing benefits of walking. Available now: https://www.katehumble.com/kates-books