23rd July 2018

Into the Wild with Heath & Heather

Lifestyle
3 mins to read

At Heath & Heather HQ, we love nothing more than a good long walk to get us energised and inspired for whatever lies ahead. We’ve put together our favourite Forests and Nature walks across the UK to share with you all.

So, pack your backpack, a flask of tea, a sense of adventure and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

TOP 10 FORESTS TO VISIT IN THE UK

New Forest, Hampshire

Located in Southern England, The New Forest is part of the New Forest National Park. Best known for its heathland, forest trails and native ponies.

Thetford Forest, Norfolk

Covering over 19,000 hectares, Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain.

Kielder Forest Park, Northumberland

Home to 50% of England’s red squirrel population, Kielder Forest Park is the largest man-made woodland in the country.

Haldon Forest Park, Exeter

Just 15 minutes from Exeter, Haldon Forest Park has trails, zip-lines and adventure galore.

Alice Holt, Surrey

Walk, Cycle, Picnic, and even Go Ape! There is much to explore in this once-upon-a-time, ancient oak forest.

Sherwood Pines Forest, Nottinghamshire

You’re never too old to go searching for Robin Hood and his merry men. If not, there’s always a new skill to explore in Sherwood Forest, whether it be wild running or becoming a whiz at Bushcraft.

Dalby Forest, Yorkshire

From valleys to beautiful starry skies, there are 8,000 acres of woodland to explore!

The National Pinetum at Bedgebury, Kent

Not only is this a beautiful place for a picnic and stroll, The National Pinetum is one of the world’s finest conifer collection.;

OUR FAVOURITE NATURE WALKS AROUND THE COUNTRY

Kenwood

Discover beautiful landscaped gardens sitting on the edge of Hampstead Heath. Tucked away in the midst of London, Kenwood is one of London’s hidden treasures.

Starting point: Kenwood House

Sydenham Hill Wood

Follow the abandoned rail track and travel through what is now the part of the last remaining tract of the Great North Wood.

Starting Point: Crescent Wood Road

 

Cornwall

Cornwall is a treasure trove of beautiful walks. One of our favourites is following the babbling stream through the Cardinham Woods. Let your feet lead you around Lady Vale Bridge, and if you take a more strenuous uphill trek towards the old lead and silver mine of Wheal Glynn, you can see the old engine house and chimney through the trees.

Wistman’s Wood, Devon

Follow the river as you walk a couple of kilometres north of Two Bridges in Dartmoor and the path will take you from open valley moorland past a narrow wood and into another world. So wild and untamed, walkers are discouraged from setting foot in into the wood. However, if you never stray from the path in the wood, you are sure to enjoy all the glories of a forest walk in such a magical place. If there were a place on earth where you could enter through a wardrobe, then this would be it.

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Walk through the quaint village of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds, through cobbled streets, making your way towards the hamlet of ‘Long Dean’. Exploring fields, meadows and crossing bridges, there are many fauna and flora to see along your way.

Follow the exact route here.

Broxbourne Wood, Hertfordshire

Ancient pollards and coppiced hornbeam in Broxbourne Wood are evidence of timber management going back centuries. Enter the wood and see if you can spot the 8 sculptures hidden within. Keep your eyes peeled for the stag, he is the hardest to find.

 

Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire

Try and spot the elusive Firecrest bird, deep in the Wendover Woods. This is an easy but much-loved walk by local walkers, the Firecrest Trail is a 2.8 mile signposted walk through the pinewoods.

 

Back to Blog