top 8 British woodland walks
- holidays
- ownership
- places to visit
Are you someone who loves outdoor adventure and exploring new places?
If so, then you will love this blog with 8 different woodland walks around the UK perfect for your next adventure. And you can make a holiday out of visiting any of these woods and forests as we have a resort less than an hours drive from each. Have a read and see which ones take your fancy whether you are after escaping to North Wales or heading to the Lake District.
North Wales
Newborough Forest
If you are looking for a completely unique experience where a beach meets a forest, then Newborough Forest is the place to go. Located on the Isle of Anglesey it is one of the very few places where you can see red squirrels and is known for being one of the most important red squirrel conservation sites in the whole of the UK. When you visit Newborough you can walk along the edge of the forest and head onto the beach to explore Llanddwyn Island or you can take one of the many trails that venture deeper into the forest.
nearest resort: Aberconwy Resort & Spa
Loggerheads Country Park
Located within the Clwydian Range in Denbighshire, Loggerheads Country Park has an impressive heritage and is an incredible place to explore. There are various trails through the park which take you along the River Alyn and you will come across Devil’s Gorge where you could catch site of people abseiling, or to climb up the clifftops to take in the breathtaking views. There is also a café where you can get a bite to eat or drink and an impressive grade 2 listed mill that was built in the 1700’s.
nearest resort: Plas Isaf Lodge Retreat
Lake District
Dodd Wood
Dodd Wood is a great place to go in the north of the Lake District if you are looking for a woodland walk. As well as the trails taking you through the woods you will also be able to enjoy some incredible views over Bassenthwaite if you choose to do the summit trail. There are 4 different walking trails that start from the car park and vary in length from 1 mile to 4 miles and you can easily put a few trails together to make a longer walk too. And make sure you keep an eye out for the red squirrels on your way round.
nearest resort: Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat
Whinlatter Forest
Known for being England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter Forest has everything from rare wildlife, incredible views, a variety of walks and trails for mountain biking (it is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District). Along the various trails you can enjoy views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick with each trail varying in length from 1 mile all the way to 5 miles. And these trails have various viewpoints, play areas, picnic areas and a café along the way.
nearest resort: Thanet Well Lodge Retreat
Yorkshire
Wheldrake Woods
A little hidden gem just outside of York is Wheldrake Woods, known for being a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with plenty of paths to explore and wildlife to discover. The trails in the woods aren’t waymarked which means you can create your own path and adventure through the trees and open access paths. It’s also a great place for a dog walk if you’re wanting to take them away from the city.
nearest resort: Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club
Dalby Forest
With over 8,500 acres of walking trails, cycle paths, incredible views and more, Dalby Forest is a great choice for a woodland walk in Yorkshire. There are 13 different walking trails varying from easy strolls to more challenging trails all offering incredible views. There is also the Gruffalo trail, Go Ape, a visitors centre and shop and two cafes so you can easily spend a whole day here exploring all that is on offer.
nearest resort: Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club
Norfolk
Snettisham Woods
Enjoy a relaxing 4.5 mile circular walk around Snettisham. You can enjoy crossing through green fields, walking along the shoreline and passing through a woodland on your way around. It’s a great choice for a walk which provides a great variety of terrains to explore as you follow the trail. And it starts and ends in Snettisham so you can enjoy a bite to eat or drink after you’ve completed the walk.
nearest resort: Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa
Reffley Woods
This ancient woodland is the perfect place to explore and enjoy a woodland walk, there is so much wildlife to discover here too including a few migratory birds like the willow warbler and chiffchaff. The two most popular walks are either half a mile long or two miles long but there are so many paths that you can create your own route through the trees. And overall the woods is relatively flat so there are no strenuous climbs.
nearest resort: Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa