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people on Segways on a forest path
Segway

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

You'll get all the training you need and the chance to practice before you head out, with a safari guide, on our trails.  You will use a mixture of twisty trails and wide open, straight tracks on this circular, hour long adventure.

Forest Segways start at the Go Ape cabin which is close to the café, toilets and bike hire facilities. 

kids playing on outdoor nets activity
Go Ape Nets Adventure

Suspended above the forest floor you bounce, climb and jump to your hearts content.

All of the nets are completely enclosed - the jumbo hammock-like netting will keep you all as safe as (tree) houses and absolutely no specialist equipment is required.

All ages are welcome, meaning that Nets Adventure really can be a great family activity. 

The course starts close to the café, toilets and bike hire facilities. 

Family with dog walking along side of lake

This lakeside path is a fully surfaced and allows you to walk around the edge of the lake. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, there are several benches along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery and watch the ducks.

Grab a hot chocolate or ice cream from the cafe, and enjoy the peace and tranquility. There is also a dog dip area if your four legged friends enjoy a swim.

Please note: cycling is not permitted on this path, please dismount from your bikes.

Family walking through autumnal forest
Walking trails and routes

The trail provides a good range of woodland habitats, from the atmospheric gloom of dark green conifers to the brighter woodlands of mature oak. The trail is surfaced throughout, but can be slightly boggy in places during wet weather. The trail begins in the first car park on the right as you enter the forest and can also be accessed just below the café, by the pond.

Christmas tree shopping in the forest
Real Christmas trees

Buy your real Christmas tree from Whinlatter Forest, Keswick this year for a wonderful experience and the highest quality, British Christmas trees.

From 25 November daily 9.30 - 4pm. Tree sales are located along the forest road behind Cyclewise, to the rear of the Visitor Centre. (Late night opening Wednesday 6 December until 7pm - tree sales and Cafe Ambio food truck)

group of ladies on mountain bikes in a forest

British Cycling and Forestry England have teamed up to offer free, women-only group cycle rides for all abilities. Every ride is led by a qualified Breeze into the Forest champion who will organise everything and make sure everyone stays safe. Come along to a ride, chat and enjoy some cake from the café afterwards.

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

If you're looking for a great day of walking on Cannock Chase, then try this 10 mile linear trail. It links the three towns and gives you a real sense of history and local life along the way.

Whilst the whole route is 10 miles and not circular, you can also start at Cannock Chase Forest and walk the 3.2 miles through to the visitor centre, retracing your steps after you've stopped for refreshments at the cafe. 

More information on this route:

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!

Family sitting on a picnic rug enjoying some food
Picnics and barbecues

Beechenhurst is perfect for a picnic in the forest with plenty of space and benches for you to use. The main lawn in front of the cafe has plenty of space and so is great area to get the whole family together. You are welcome to bring small gazebos, but to prevent forest fires please do not bring your own barbecues.

 

group of ladies on mountain bikes in a forest
Cycling & mountain biking

British Cycling and Forestry England have teamed up to offer free, women-only group cycle rides for all abilities in the nation’s forests. 

Every group ride is led by a qualified Breeze into the Forest Champion who will organise everything and make sure everyone stays safe. Come along to ride, chat and of course enjoy some tea and cake from the onsite café afterwards.

A male runner in a white vest and a female runner in an orange vest run towards the camera along a forest road
Running
Explore the running trails at Cardinham Woods

With miles of off-road routes for you to enjoy, escape the stuffy gym, embrace the fresh air and get fit where you can be inspired by stunning natural surroundings.

Our network of waymarked trails make running through the forest more accessible, so you can feel confident to just hit the trails and enjoy all the benefits of being active outdoors. 

All trails start and finish near the cafe. 

bench in front of a lake

In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

A great day out for the budding cyclist, from tearaway toddlers to young teens perfecting their skills, we’ve got a range of trails for beginner to intermediate appetites.

Autumnal forest scene with golden leaves on the trees and ground

With way marked trails for woodland walks, children’s play areas, Go Ape, orienteering trails and even a dog activity trail, you will not be stuck for something to do at Cannock Chase Forest, located north of Birmingham in the West Midlands.

Rider on cycling trail in the Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (formerly known as Cannop Cycle Centre) has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. We also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.

Lakeside view at Mallards Pike

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakeside setting.

Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

£5 million investment into new facilities unveiled at Alice Holt Forest
News
22 March 2019
The Forestry Commission has completed a £5 million project to create a host of new visitor attractions and facilities at Alice Holt Forest, near Farnham. The five year investment in the 2,000 acre public forest has seen the addition of a 120 seater café, a purpose built visitor centre, new outdoor activities plus a brand new activity centre opened to visitors today.
A line of conifer trees in front of a vast forest covered in mist.

Home to over 8,500 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest.

Willingham Woods

Willingham Woods is part of a large complex of pinewoods that are located east of Market Rasen. It provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities as well as an important source of timber.

The woodland is visited all year round but is especially popular during the summer months, when holidaymakers use it as a break point whilst heading to and from the coast.

Family walking on a woodland trail

Come and explore one of the Midland’s most well-known forests! With activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails, Sherwood Pines will set the scene for a great day out for all.

Early morning mist rising up above the lake in autumn

Bedgebury is an award winning visitor attraction with something for everyone. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.

Wendover Woods
Article
02 October 2019
Wendover Woods Forest Centre
Forest with lakeside path

Delamere Forest, within easy reach of both Manchester and Liverpool, is a place to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest.

Bedgebury National Pinetum Visitor Centre lake view of cafe
Article
07 September 2021
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest guide to visiting including dog code, scooters and cycling, photography and by-laws
Delamere Forest Visitor Centre on a sunny day

Phase 1 - completed

Visitor centre, cafe, bike shop and car park

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 invite you to pause, notice and connect with the forest environment around you.

A robin percehed on a strong of Christmas lights
Event
Saturday 9 December
10am to 4pm
Grizedale

Put yourself in the festive spirit here at Grizedale!

Enjoy festive specials and mulled wine in Cafe Ambio, explore the fantastic range of makers and crafters working here in the forest and get out and about for a Christmas forest walk, you can even pick out your perfect Christmas tree to take home!

 

A walker walking through the forest in the autumn. The walker is looking up at the trees around them.
Walking trails and routes

From Symonds Yat Rock there are waymarked trails linking to the Forest Holidays campsite, to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself.

Discover the ancient hill fort, look out for birds of prey and then enjoy a snack from the log cabin café.

Man, woman and two children walking along an autumnal forest trail
Walking trails and routes

From a gentle stroll around the Ladyhill Trail with lots to see and do, to a longer walk around the picturesque pools on the Fairoak Trail, there's a great day out for everyone.

Trail maps are available to purchase from Go Ape, Grounds cafe & Cannock Chase Cycle Centre for £1.50. 

A Christmas Wreath Workshop at Moors Valley
Event
8, 9, 16 December 2023
8th - 10am / 9th & 16th - 1.30pm
Salcey Forest

Join Gill from &MoreFlowers for an enjoyable workshop designing and creating your very own Christmas wreath! 

All equipment, greenery and decorations will be provided, but please bring your own secateurs if you have them. A choice of hot drink and a slice of cake from Grounds Cafe is included in your ticket price! 

Beechenhurst cafe
Article
Have your say
Forestry England run consultations about a range of topics across the nation's forests, as well as consult on our forest design plans. Use our consult hub and have your say.
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.

Sun shining through the trees in a pine forest

The forest classrooms are great for birthday party celebrations, school visits, holiday clubs, workshops or a small meeting.  On the edge of the forest and only a short walk to the main visitor centre, café and trails the classrooms offer a quiet and inspiring space to meet in.