Mortimer Forest

Forest operations are taking place in Mortimer Forest, and some trails are diverted. - Find out more

Visitor information

A great place to enjoy some fresh air and explore a variety of walking trails

Come and escape in Mortimer Forest! Straddling the Shropshire and Herefordshire border this thousand hectare forest is a perfect place for some breathing space.

Although originally made up of ancient royal chases and deer parks, the forest we see today was largely planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. It was named after the Mortimer Family, Norman Lords who held power over the region for some 300 years.

The forest is rich in wildlife. Spectacular birds of prey can be found here and small birds such as nuthatches and warblers are often seen. Open spaces within the forest provide warm spots for butterflies, the Wood White being an important species and open places for reptiles to bask in the sun. Keep an eye out for the unique longhaired fallow deer which lives in the forest. The wildlife which you can’t see is just as important. Dead wood provides homes for insects and fungi that feed the forest by breaking down nutrients.

Explore Mortimer Forest:

There are three car parks around the edge of the forest offering you a different experience each time you visit.

Find out more about our car parks.

Things to do

The Whitcliffe Loop starting from the Whitcliffe Car Park lets you explore the Lower Evens part of the Forest and views along Mary Knoll Valley.

Vinnalls Car Park is the starting point for the Vinnalls Loop which take you to the top of High Vinnalls. The nine mile Climbing Jack Trail and the surfaced Easy Access Loop.

Black Pool Car Park is the starting point for the Black Pool Loop which takes you through the Haye Park area of the woods.

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

These events take place in pleasant forest surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part. From those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; everyone is welcome.

Register online with parkrun to find out more about the course and get your barcode.

Looking for a parkrun in a different place?

Find a different parkrun.

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

All of our car parks have picnic tables for you to use.

 

Starting from the Vinnalls Car Park, this trail is a 1-mile loop with the option to return to the car park halfway round.

Explore a variety of habitats including broadleaved woodland, mature conifer and two wildlife ponds on an all-weather, easy access surface.

There are two picnic tables and a number of seats along the way and you can learn about life in the forest with seasonal learning panels.

Maps

Compass on a map

Walking trails map

Plan your visit to Mortimer Forest using our trails map

Nearby forests

Bury Ditches summit plaque

Dating from about 500BC, Bury Ditches is home to one of the best-preserved hill forts in the country! Located near the town of Clun in the Shropshire Hills Area of Natural Beauty, Bury Ditches isn't short of stunning views, ancient history and blood-pumping walks. 

The climb up to the hill fort is steep but the views are worth it!

Visitors looking for a level walk can follow the forest road from the car park, past the barrier to a bench and a view.

 

 

Easy pacers walkers

Eastridge Woods is enjoyed by visitors on foot, on horseback or on two wheels. Passing through the forest is the Shropshire Way, a long distance walking route covering over 200 miles of beautiful Shropshire countryside, which can be tackled in smaller sections.

A woman and two boys walking in a forest, next to a large, ancient tree

Explore Haughmond Hill and follow in the footsteps of history. Follow the trails out to the front of the hill for commanding views across the River Severn and Shrewsbury to the South Shropshire and Welsh hills beyond. Discover the Iron Age enclosure or visit the viewing platform over the quarry; a must for any budding geologists or anyone who likes dumper trucks!

Winding path through the mature woodland

Wyre Forest is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country and can be found to the west of Birmingham.

Explore the arboretum to find the unusual Whitty Pear and don't forget to refuel in our on-site cafe. Our Go Ape course will keep the kids (and adults!) entertained and we've even got a dog wash on-site to keep your pooch pampered.

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