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A forest track heading between conifers
Walking trails and routes

A pleasant walk from nearby the Visitor Centre. This trail has a steady incline upwards with a with a chance to see deer at the viewpoint.

The walk passes by a ‘rabbit type’, an important part of Dalby’s history when rabbits were farmed for fur. Ask our staff in the Visitor Centre more about our history.

Blue geranium genetic

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or enthusiast amateur it's easy to take part, just start recording wildlife on your next visit...

Download the free iNaturalist app before you visit 

Discover and record wildlife through the app on your forest adventure

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Grandfather Oak wooden sculpture carving
Forestry England Arts map

Grandfather Oak and the Curious Forest are a series of wooden sculptures carved by Steve Iredale in collaboration with local school children. Grandfather Oak, Granny Rosalie, Douglas Fir, Scot Pine, Cedric Atlantis, Witch Hazel and Willow Salix are the characters inspired by the plants and trees in the forest. These chainsaw sculptures are amongst the play area and encourage children to imagine their own stories whilst playing in and exploring the forest.

Runners going uphill in the forest
Running

This route is a relatively steady circular running route that is used by parkrun every Saturday morning. You’ll be running on stoned forest roads and gravelled paths that pass through some of the oldest areas of forest – planted back in 1921.

Dalby cycling on the world cup trail
Cycling & mountain biking

This is a technical world-class course, only for the best and most expert. There are many steep climbs and challenging descents, including the very rapid descent on Medusa's Drop. The tour starts at Adderstone's Field, passes High Staindale and eventually comes back near the starting point at Dixon's Hollow, using portions of the Red Route on the way. It is a memorable experience, but it sure is a tough course!

couple running through the forest
Running

This entry level 3km loop is the ideal route for beginners. The route starts and finishes just through the courtyard, past the village and uses flat stoned forest roads and gravel paths.

There are turnaround points for you to achieve 1km or 2km before going on to complete the full 3km route. It’s a great way to build up your distance especially if you are doing Couch to 5k Also, along the way you’ll get to enjoy the fantastic views along the Low Dalby valley!

A mental and glass sculpture of a dragonfly wing
Forestry England Arts map

The Dragonfly sculpture, positioned close to Staindale Lake, is directly inspired by the dragonflies and demoiselles that inhabit the area throughout the year and celebrates their beauty in both life and death. Peter Maris has carved interpretations of fossilised wings, cut into two rocks - the carved texture of the stones augmented with colour enhancer giving prominence and preservation to the natural visual qualities of the rock.

Nissen Hut sculpture through the trees
Forestry England Arts map

Nissen Hut is Whiteread's first permanent public sculpture in the UK. The work has been commissioned to mark the centenary of the Forestry Commission in 2019, and is part of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary.

Forest Holidays cabin in the forest on a sunny day
Forest Holidays

The cabins at Keldy blend delightfully into their woodland surroundings, some hidden beneath the trees and others opening out onto soft grassy glades. Warm and welcoming, in an idyllic woodland setting, they provide a peaceful haven from the world outside.

A view of a lake surrounded by forest
Walking trails and routes

This trail circles Staindale Lake along boardwalks and well-surfaced paths. It's particularly worth stopping at Staindale Lake dam on the west end of the lake to enjoy its tranquil blue waters and spot the wildlife here on the birdfeeders.

walkers about to start a woodland walk
Walking trails and routes

Enjoy a gentle stroll around the edge of the plateau high above the hamlets of Bickley and Deepdale.

There are a variety of wonderful viewpoints around the trail, which follow a quiet and level forest road and gravel surfaced paths.

Autumn at Blackwood Forest - Forest Holidays
Forest Holidays

Forest Holidays is a picturesque location with 57 woodland cabins situated in a grassy meadow, enclosed by the leafy woodlands of nearby Cropton Forest. With underfloor heating, log burners, incredible views and even your own outdoor hot tub, this Forest Holiday is one you aren't likely to forget.

Spend time with a dedicated Forest Ranger on location. You can plan a programme of unique experiences to discover the wonders and secrets of the forest.

Family walking through autumnal forest
Walking trails and routes

The trail follows forest paths and roads, offering extensive views over the forest. Of particular interest is the naturally sculpted Adder Stone, an eye-catching feature along the Adderstone Rigg Trail.

Giant Gruffalo Sculpture in the Forest
Gruffalo sculptures

If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child from Julia Donaldson's fantastic story.

The sculptures can be found by parking at Adderstone Field and heading towards the play area. Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position - can you find the Gruffalo and his friends?

Family walking on a woodland trail
Walking trails and routes

A circular walk starting from Low Staindale car park and featuring a steep incline before reaching a plateau of open moorland and impressive views across the North York Moors. This trail features the iconic 'Bridestones', a series of sandstone rock formations carved out of the landscape during the last ice age, which have been weathered by the action of frost, wind, and rain over thousands of years to create a bizarre series of shapes.

Family walking on a woodland trail
Walking trails and routes

This circular trail takes in Staindale, Yondhead Rigg and Crosscliff, with fine views across the North York Moors.

A rusted metal sculpture of two female foresters working on a tree.
Forestry England Arts map

A sculpture to commemorate the role of women who worked in Britain’s woodlands during the Second World War. Ray Lonsdale’s steel fabrication of a felled tree and two lumberjills captures the arduous nature of their work in the forests as well as some of the lighter moments they experienced.

Shot of legs and wellies of two people walking through forest holding Gruffalo paper bag
The Gruffalo Party Trails

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.

walkers enjoying a walk through nature in autumn
Walking trails and routes

Along this circular trail, you’ll find spectacular views at Jerry Noddle over the Upper Langdale Valley. On the same spot, do not miss the Winged Sheep Aedicula (a shrine), a 2021 sculpture by Fiona Bowley carved in a block of sandstone.

This trail is mostly forest roads with sections off-road.

A forest track heading between rows of deciduous trees either side
Walking trails and routes

A firm favourite walk across the tops of Crosscliff. Accessible to all, this is an easy access trail on a flat, even surface and provides truly stunning views from the viewpoint.

This short trail is 0.8km (0.5 miles) and offers a tranquil escape amongst the trees. From the viewpoint, you will see over to Blakey Topping and on a clear day, you can spot Fylingdales early warning system glinting in the distance. 

A man using the iNaturalist app
Article
04 June 2019
Find out what visitors to Dalby Forest have discovered and recorded
Running on a dog friendly trail
Running

This is a very scenic running loop sets off from the peaceful Staindale Lake via Crosscliff Viewpoint. It takes in Yondhead Rigg, Crosscliff and elements of the Jerry Noddle trail leading to some spectacular views to the north over Langdale Forest.

adults on a run on a woodland trail
Running

A circular route starting at the top end of the lower field at Adderstone. This running route follows forest paths and roads and offers the chance to enjoy extensive views over the forest. Perfect for testing yourself on a wilder 5km than your traditional routes.

You will pass the eye-catching, naturally sculpted adder stone and some rabbit types from bygone times. The route finishes back in Adderstone field.

Sun shining in blue sky through tall trees dusted with snow
Wrap up warm and let the fresh winter forest nourish you this Christmas. How ever you choose to pass this festive time of the year, the forest is there for you.
Woman in a red hat and blue coat looking at snow in the forest
Blog
02 November 2022
The shorter days and colder weather around Christmas can make it hard to motivate ourselves to get outside and see other people. This can leave us feeling disconnected from each other and the world around us. That’s why we’ve put together three ways you can stay connected to nature and people this winter. With tips from an expert psychiatrist, and guidance from Mind, read on for tips for a kinder, more connected Christmas.
Christmas lights lighting up the trees in Bedgebury
Article
11 March 2024
Sign up for news about Christmas at Westonbirt
Dalmation and Pointer at start of carnicross race
Event
3 March
8.30am to 12.30pm
Dalby Forest

The hugely popular Canicross returns to Dalby.

Two women performing a yoga pose indoors
Event
Every Wednesday
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Dalby Forest
Relax and unwind at Dalby Forest

Step away from your normal routine and try yoga in Dalby Forest, hosted by Chantelle from The Balance Rooms.

This class is suitable for all abilities and will guide you through a series of movements to help rejuvenate, restore and refresh.

2 people in forest
News
17 December 2021
Stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air and walk off all that delicious festive food with a family visit to one of the nation’s forests near you this Christmas holiday.
Cycling trails at Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest provides the perfect venue for a range of events.  If you are interested in holding an event here you will need to apply first so that we can ensure your event doesn't clash with anything else happening in the forest such as forest operations work. 

Once we know your needs we can advise you to make sure your event is a success.  Please contact us no later than eight weeks before your proposed event. 

Conifer tree tops
About

Dalby Forest is an area of 3575.8 hectares of primarily coniferous forest with some broadleaves situated in the east of the North York Moors National Park which is collectively known as the North Riding Forest Park.

Legs of four runners wearing pink trainers
Event
Every Saturday morning
Starts 9am
Dalby Forest

What is Dalby Forest parkrun?

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! See Course page for more details.