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A view of arable land with Roseberry Topping in the skyline

Discover the most breathtaking views as you take a walk through stunning natural scenery at Guisborough Forest.

Nestled between Teesside and the North York Moors, Guisborough Forest is home to a trim trail, a cycling trail, play areas and superb walking trails for relaxing, connecting to nature and getting lost in the trees. 

A family with backpacks walking down a forest track
Walking trails and routes

Allow yourself three quarters of an hour for this circular walk starting from the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre. 

The walk climbs to the top of the beech wood, passes through a mix of habitats with nice views of Guisborough and beyond. 

Close up of walking boots of person walking along a leafy path
Walking trails and routes

Allow one and a half hours for this moderate walk starting at the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre.

After an initial steep ascent through the beech wood, the route winds its way through a variety of forest habitats with great views over Guisborough and beyond.

A family of four cycling on forest trail
Cycling & mountain biking

A circular trail through the natural landscape of Guisborough Forest. With sections of steady climbs and pocket sections of views across the Tees Valley. This route is suitable for riders with a moderate level of skill and covers mostly forest roads and tracks.

A individual sitting on a picnic table within bluebells
Picnics and barbecues

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

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

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

A two and a half hour circular trail starting from the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre at Pinchinthorpe.

The walk includes a moderate steep climb and takes in forestry and farmland. It goes past the Hanging Stone, from which a small detour gives rewarding views over Teesside and the coast.

This trail also passes by the Blue Lake which used to store the water to pump hydraulic machinery at Home Farm.

Woman walking through the forest towards sunbeams
Wellbeing trails

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Follow the trail to take a mindful walk through the forest that invites you to really relax. 

What to expect 

Themed panels along the trail will prompt you to pause, notice and connect with the wellbeing benefits of the forest environment.  

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.

Chopwell Wood bench under trees

Chopwell Wood really is a wood for everyone. This 360-hectare mixed woodland is a real gem, set right on the fringe of Gateshead.

Basing wood

Basing Wood is a light airy wood consisting of broadleaves and conifers, both young and old, with many paths to explore.

The wood is full of interesting wildlife including a healthy population of the protected great crested newt. It also provides an important habitat for butterflies, in particular the declining purple emperor.

Some of the more common wildlife you may see in Basing Wood includes fallow, roe and muntjac deer, foxes, rabbits and many species of birds.

Bacton woods

Located just east of North Walsham, Bacton Wood - also known as Witton Wood - is perfect for a day out with nature on foot or by bicycle.

Managed sustainably for people, wildlife and timber, there are over 30 species of tree in Bacton Wood, including Beech, Scots and Corsican Pine, Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Larch and veteran Sessile Oaks.

Thieves Wood

Thieves Wood provides the scenery for an exciting day out with a walking trail that starts from the car park, offering easy access into the wood. 

The Robin Hood Way, a long distance trail that runs through Nottinhamshire exploring the legend of Robin Hood, also passes through the wood.

There is also a refreshment cabin in the car park where you can stock up on snacks in preparation for your adventure!

Family taking pictures in forest

Popular with local dog walkers, come and explore Laneskin Wood, perfect for a peaceful woodland walk. 

Wander the open paths and trails that run through the wood. 

 

Davidstow Woods

Located by Davidstow airfield, north of Bodmin Moor, Davidstow Woods is a coniferous forest perfectly placed for a walk to the special habitats at Crowdy reservoir or Showery Tor.

Wood white butterfly perched on a purple flower

Nestled snugly into the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, about 3km north-east of  Haslemere, Frillinghurst Woods provides a pocket of peace for you to escape your everyday. Head out on the circular path for a reflective walk and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the range of wildlife that call the wood home. 

Wendover Woods

Explore the beautiful Chilterns landscape at Wendover Woods with stunning views across the Chiltern Hills.

Play, run, walk or cycle your way round Wendover Woods. If you're feeling energetic, why not try the fitness trail assault course. 

There are plenty of places to pause and admire the view or enjoy a picnic.

People in forest

Newbridge Wood is the perfect place for a woodland stroll. 

A footpath winding through a winter forest

Situated near the banks of the River Severn, to the north of Worcester, Shrawley Wood is peaceful and picturesque.

Known locally as ‘Bluebell Wood’ it unsurprisingly, has a fantastic showing of bluebells and other spring wildflowers - it is a real treat to visit in April or May.

Shrawley Wood is the largest area of small-leafed lime tree woodland in the country and so is designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Forest

Located near Newark-on-Trent, Stapleford Woods is the ideal place for a peaceful woodland walk. 

Hybrid Bluebell close up

Home to foxes, deer, badgers and many woodland birds, Hagg Wood provides the perfect woodland visit for any wildlife enthusiast! At different times of the year you can hear the call of woodpeckers, wood pigeons and cuckoos. 

It's also a great place to spot bluebells in spring, as well as primroses, yellow pimpernel, wood anemone and dog violets, which you'll find growing along the woodland rides and clearings.

Whitwell Wood

The wood has a very high nature conservation status and it is has a wide range of flora including over 20 species that are indicators of ancient woodland. There are also numerous features of archaeological interest.

Visit the wood to discover the Ginny Spring Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has been designated for its rich flora including some species rare in Derbyshire.

 

Bluebells in the forest

Predominantly a beech wood with some conifer interspersed, Micheldever Wood is home to a diverse range of birds and insects. The stunning Muntjac deer are to be found in the woods as well as wildflowers and a growing butterfly population.

With a number of paths making their way through the wood, make sure you don’t miss the spectacular display of Bluebells in the spring.

Shaded walking trail in Stoke Woods, Exeter

Located north of Exeter, Stoke Woods is a great place to get in touch with nature. Stoke Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has large areas of ancient woodland, making it a very special wildlife haven at the edge of the city.

Stretch your legs on our wild trails and visit some of the oldest and largest trees in Exeter.

 

Wood

With paths that twist and turn through the woodland, great views and open spaces, Wombwell Wood provides the perfect setting for your next outdoor adventure or even a stroll with your dog.

A birdwatchers paradise, the ancient woodland is also an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife including skylarks, meadow pipits, woodpeckers and kestrels. Bluebells can often be spotted among the trees, making spring in the woodland a real treat.

Shouldham Woods

Shouldham Woods is a peaceful, broadleaf woodland and provides a sanctuary for wildlife amid the fields.

As an undulating site on the edge of the fens with two healthy woodland walks, there are remnants of a historic spring on top of the hill. There is also a World War II rifle butt close to the entrance.

Bluebells in the forest

Oversley Wood is bursting with wonderful wildflowers. In spring, discover a carpet of bluebells that cover the woodland floor and in autumn, take in the rich colour of the ancient trees, it's a treat for your eyes throughout the year! Interesting flora can also be found along the wide paths and there is an ancient coppice in the heart of the wood, making for a great wildlife spot.

Kew Woods

Located near Southport, Kew Woods is the perfect place to visit if you fancy a forest run or leisurely stroll.

Southport Birders have also discovered that Kew Woods is an ideal birding site, so don't forget your binoculars! 

Broadleaf tree in field autumn

Haugh Woods is a 350 hectare mixed woodland, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the rich diversity and nationally recognised for its butterflies and moths, with over 600 species living there! The rare Wood White butterfly and Drab Looper moth thrive in the recently coppiced areas.

unsurfaced forest clearing

Nestled adjacent to the River Eden between Carlisle and Penrith, Coombs Wood is a natural sanctuary just waiting to be explored on foot. 

Aerial view of Bearland Chimney at Chargot Wood

Located in Exmoor National Park just a short drive from Taunton, Chargot Wood is a beautiful coniferous woodland that provides a tranquil environment and an exciting range of wildlife.

Chargot is also a hub for the West Somerset Mineral Line with a variety of fascinating industrial heritage to explore.

Blue flowers at Cann Wood

On the east side of Plymouth lies Cann Woods, known locally as Plym Forest, in the valley of the stunning River Plym

Covering an area of 230 hectares, Cann Wood is a great place to explore mixed forest with areas of broadleaved woodland mingling with newly planted conifer.

Pages Wood field of flowers

Pages Wood is the largest site in Thames Chase and home to 100,000 trees. This valley of green space offers excellent views as well as a rich mosaic of habitats for wildlife.

It's a great place for children to cycle safely, and also provides a variety of walking opportunities.