As autumn is in full force, mounds of leaves have fallen to the floor ready to step on. The cosy jumpers are out, hats and scarves and hot chocolates are your afternoon drink to keep you warm. But you don’t have to stay indoors during the season, because autumn environments are fun to explore. Why not embark on ‘forest walks near me’ this weekend and embrace the changing seasons?
Forest Walks in Scotland
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Scottish Highlands
Take in rugged mountains, sparkling lochs, rolling Trossachs hills and beautiful views of the surroundings as you and your family start your forest walk and try to spot the countless wildlife species you can spot here. With multiple wonderful woodland walks, there are easy trails for families with children and harder trails for those who love a challenge!
Set your eyes on panoramic views shrouded in autumn colour.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park,
Scottish Highlands,
FK8 3SX
Open 24 hours
Galloway Forest Park, Creebridge
Start your journey from three of the park’s visitor centres and discover stunning wildlife, trickling water and starry nights. A trip to Galloway is a memorable one, perfect for you and the family to enjoy on a weekend afternoon (or night!). Just remember to wrap up warm and bring plenty of water!
Galloway Forest,
Creebridge,
Newton Stewart,
DG8 6AJ
Open 24 hours
Forest Walks in the North East
Hawksworth Wood Circular, North West Leeds
Once you’ve finished exploring the forest walk, head up towards the riverside and Newlay Bridge, where you’ll discover more tree-covered landmarks! It’s also perfect for dog-friendly woodland walks, so don’t forget to bring your paw-some pets!
Hawksworth Wood,
Hawksworth,
Leeds,
LS5 3LU
Plessey Woods, Northumberland
This will be a forest walk to remember as you stroll past meandering rivers, secluded spots, and naturalistic nooks and crannies. Not only that but you may spot roe deer, foxes, and kingfishers living in the mature woodland also known as Bluebell Woods.
I wonder why it’s called that…maybe visit in the spring season to find out?
Explore, play and most of all have fun on your forest walk. Don’t forget to bring a picnic!
Plessey Woods Country Park,
Shields Road,
Plessey,
Nr Bedlington,
Northumberland,
NE22 6HZ
Monday to Sunday
07:00 - 20:00
Parking:
1 hour free
2 hours £2.00
Over 2 hours £4.00
Forest Walks in the North West
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Animal lover? You may be lucky to come across fallow deer who roam around the park! Due to this dogs will need to be kept on leads.
Dunham Massey,
Altrincham,
WA14 4SJ
Monday and Tuesday 09:30 - 16:00
Wednesday to Friday 09:30 - 17:30
Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
Gisburn Forest and Stocks, Slaidburn
A way to unwind after a stressful week at work and school is a forest walk in the wide open spaces, surrounded by nature. It’s relaxing and calming and who can say no to a little bit of exploring?
At Gisburn Forest and Stocks, you’ll find forest trails in the mixed woodland, rolling hills and the perfect space for mountain biking! And to top it off, the night sky is alight with stars on a clear night. So, if you fancy star gazing, you know where to go!
A majestic woodland and fantastic views of the night sky in the autumn months – what more could you ask for?
Gisburn Forest and Stocks,
Slaidburn,
BB7 4TS
Open 24 hours
Parking:
1 hour £2.00
4 hours £3.50
All day £4.00
After 6 £2.00
Forest Walks in the Midlands
Sence Valley Forest Park, Leicestershire
Here, you’ll find a variety of pine trees as well as broadleaf trees. All the trees here provide precious wildlife habitats like birds, insects and butterflies. There are cycle, horse riding and walking trails here, for whatever mood you’re in! And you’ll find plenty of picnic tables and ideal spots to sit back and relax.
MHXR+2C,
14 Ravenstone Rd,
Ibstock,
LE67 6NW
Monday to Sunday
07:00 - 19:00
Dimmingsdale, Staffordshire
There are plenty of walking trails for your forest walks, no matter your fitness level or who you’re with. And it’s also dog friendly, so bring them along too! See how many colours you can find on the leaves and maybe try to find a conker!
Forest Schools Birmingham,
Kingstanding Wellbeing Centre,
Dulwich Road,
Birmingham,
B44 0EW
Spring: 08:00 - 17:00
Summer: 08:00 - 18:00
Autumn: 08:00 - 17:00
Winter: 08:00 - 16:00
No parking charges
Forest Walks in the South East
Blean Wildart Trail, Kent
It’s easily accessible and has lots of trails for gentle walking and adventuring!
Perfect for families with kids to venture out and try to spot all the incredible artwork! How many can you spot?
New Rd,
Herne Bay,
CT6 7NZ
Open 24 hours
Devil's Dyke, West Sussex
Venture into the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in the UK and picture panoramic views. Don’t forget to find the carpet of flowers and insects!
Devil's Dyke,
Nr Brighton,
West Sussex
Dawn to dusk
Forest Walks in the South West
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
You’ll find a pump loop, cycle area, orienteering courses and secret spots waiting to be discovered. There’s also the Superworm trail to take part in, featuring brightly illustrated panels and a fun activity trail pack including exciting activities!
Bullers Hill,
Kennford,
Exeter,
EX6 7XR
Monday to Sunday
07:00 - 21:00
Up to 2 hours £4.00
Up to 4 hours £6.00
All day £8.00
Soudley Ponds, Forest of Dean
Enter a world full of lush green fir trees and hectares of woodland that absorbs any sound. Discover ponds alongside paths as you walk and up a steep ridge – if you’re up to the challenge!
There is even a sensory walk that can help you venture outside to connect with nature. It’s around 2.5km and you’ll be able to take in spectacular views as you stroll along.
12 Church Rd,
Soudley,
Cinderford,
GL14 2UA
Open 24 hours
No parking charges
So, now you know all the best ‘forest walks near me’ your autumn afternoons won’t be boring! You can wander around forests littered with crunchy leaves, explore trees of all shapes and sizes and open your ears to all sorts of animal calls.
In the mood for some more outdoor activities? We’ve got lots for you – visit some waterfalls in Cornwall, travel deep under and explore some caves, zoom down the Snowdonia zip wire or have a go at football golf!