Type of Walk: Woodland Walks

Many walks described within their woodlands. If you do not have a specific area in mind, perhaps best to 'Search the Woodland Trust' using keywords such as path, trail, walking, etc: 'All of our woods are free to visit'.

'This list of ancient woods in England contains areas of ancient woodland in England larger than ten hectares. The list is arranged alphabetically by ceremonial county.'

'With 2,000 acres of mature woodland to explore you can while away the hours amongst our magnificent beeches and mighty oaks.'

'211 hectares (520 acres) of ancient woodland in Cambridgeshire, in the United Kingdom. It is a national nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest owned and managed by the Forestry Commission.'

'Three enticing trails wind through Blairadam Wood, an attractive mix of mighty spruces and colourful beech woodland. William Adam, the noted Scottish architect, built Blairadam House here in the 1730s and landscaped the surrounding estate. He also built pits to extract coal.'

'The managed wood pasture at Cobham is historically significant as it is considered by many to be the closest type of landscape in lowland Britain to that which existed in prehistoric times. Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the site is also classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the rarity of the wood pasture habitat.'

'There are approximately 140 acres of woodlands at Finlaystone, including trees which are estimated to be well over 400 years old. The Estate has several trails of varying degrees of length and difficulty. Some are accessible with a pram or small children. All are designed to lead you through the varied environment and landscape in the Estate.'

'A magical mixture of green-spaces in and around Bristol - a green belt of ancient woodlands, new tree plantations, reclaimed teak garden furniture, walking routes, historical sites and places of outstanding natural beauty.'

'Highgate Wood is 28 hectares of ancient woodland. It is a haven for wildlife and provides numerous easily accessible and scenic woodland trails.'

'London may be a big city but there are plenty of green, open spaces where you can see an abundance of wildlife or enjoy a range of sporting activities ... Enjoy a day out in London's great outdoors at one of the beautiful nature reserves and woodlands.'

'Open access woodland site managed by the Forestry Commission. It is situated on the edge of the Chilterns escarpment and is a great place to take the family, with lots of trails, a cafe, children's adventure playground, a fitness trail.'

'During the mid 18th century William Aislabie owned estates at Studley Royal, Laver Banks and Hackfall. He and other members of the Aislabie Family created a picturesque landscape to delight their guests and transported them by carriage and on horseback through this sublime countryside on byways and tracks ...'

'From Dalraddy to Ruthven near Kingussie, the Badenoch Way winds through native woodland offering magnificent views of Highland glens, mountains, and rivers, with diverse wildlife abundant, including red squirrel, osprey, swans & deer.'

'Tranquil woodland with fresh air and sweeping views, just a couple of miles from Dundee.'

'The woodland follows the course of the Balloch Burn from the hills west of Creetown to the Cree Estuary.  Linear in shape, and several kilometres long, it offers a range of walks through a richly varied woodland of Larch, Oak, Scots Pine, Beech, Italian Alder and other species.'

'Bashfordsland Wood attractions include an outdoor gym, orienteering course, sculptures trail, three wildlife ponds. When on the path network take a look at the native trees, wildflowers and wildlife such as bull finch, meadow pipits, sparrowhawks, and buzzards. Oakfield Glen can be accessed from Bashfordsland Wood.' Note that I have replaced the Link here as the original seems unavailable.

'Circular walk through one of the largest and most distinctive areas of ancient woodland in England. The Walk, combined with 18 new interpretive panels is part funded by Heritage Lottery and the Kent Wildlife Trust and has been developed by the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership as a member of the Blean Initiative.

'This diverse landscape on the edge of the Peak District celebrates its natural, cultural and industrical heritage with grit and charm.'

'A strenuous walk through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve and an assortment of ancient and wild woods and diverse woodland setting.'

'Developed since the 1990s on land owned by Norfolk County Council, the walks use Public Rights of Way and permissive paths. There are a variety of walks to suit all abilities, ranging from 1 mile to several miles, and this includes a number for wheelchair and mobility vehicles.'

'There are three self-guided trails for visitors to explore in the Beeches: The Sensory Trail (1 mile); The Geology Trail (2 miles); The Historical Trail (5 miles).'

Daws Heath Woodland  Three ancient woods beside the A127

Thundersley Common One of the finest surviving heaths in Essex

Shipwright’s Wood Discover the beauty of this hidden wood.

Thundersley Glen  An open woodland once used for charcoal burning.

West Wood  Explore this ancient wood which once belonged to the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

'Chopwell Wood really is a wood for everyone. This 360-hectare mixed woodland is a real gem, set right on the fringe of Gateshead. Miles of paths allow fantastic access, walking and cycling into the heart of this fascinating woodland.'

'The "woods" is the local name for the hill, the almost total tree-cover of its upper parts indicated by the darker green on the map. It is criss-crossed by numerous formal tracks and informal paths ... However there are as yet no signs or way-markings through the woods, so finding one's way is a case of map-reading or being on a guided tour.'

Leaflet prepared by Highland Birchwoods on behalf of East Sutherland Woodlands.

'There are over 15 kilometres of paths and bridleways, which offer some wonderful walks. These include an "Easy Going" trail suitable for the less able bodied and wheelchairs.'

'If you fancy a gentle stroll in the woods The Falkirk Wheel has over 4 miles of woodland paths for you to enjoy. All walks start from the visitor centre and lead you up into the hills where you can discover The Antonine Wall World Heritage Site and Rough Castle Roman Fort.'

'The woods in these country parks on the outskirts of London are all former hunting grounds providing venison for the kinsg's table. At Bedfords Park this is commemorated with a deer park holding a herd of red deer, managed by the London Borough of Havering, and in all the woods there are fallow and muntjac deer living wild.'

'The village of Hamstreet is surrounded by public woodland including Hamstreet woods, an area of special scientific interest renowned for the presence of wild service trees and nightingales. The routes in this guide explore the contrasting elements of the local area, including Romney Marsh and the banks of the Royal Military Canal.' Unfortunately the original Website cited here seems to have become unavailable; so I have replaced the Link with one to a Walk from the Saturday Walkers' Club.

'How many times have you driven past this woodland oasis? Perhaps you've rushed by on your way to the airport; or past on your way to Stockwood Park on the other side of the London Road.  Once part of a much larger area of woodland, Kidney Wood is a wonderful piece of woodland full of history ...'

'Ideally situated just minutes away from the M4, offering the perfect get away retreat where the emphasis is on relaxation and enjoyment. With woodland walks, self-guided vineyard tours and wine tastings, you can work up an appetite for a delicious lunch, or a traditional afternoon tea with a local flavour ...'

'Short Epping Forest walks in and around Loughton from the book by Chris and Caroline Pond ... These are short walks, mostly of about an hour's duration, in that part of Epping Forest situated in the parish of Loughton. They are designed for non-specialist strollers rather than for purposeful and experienced ramblers, to whom we suspect they would seem rather short and tame.'

'The Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside, which has been creating "woodlands on your doorstep" for 20 years.'

'A network of paths lead you through this peaceful ancient woodland which is alive with birds. More than 200 species of flowering plant also grow here. You may spot the occasional roe deer. A pond provides a habitat for dragonflies, toads and newts.'

'Walking in the New Forest offers freedom and wide open spaces, for within the New Forest National Park can be found an impressive 235 kilometres (146 miles) of public footpaths; 57 kilometres (35 miles) of public bridleways; and 26,600 hectares (266 square kilometres or 103 square miles) of Crown land with open public access.'

'There are two waymarked trails in the Wood: the Easy Access Trail and the Norsey Trail ... The Easy Access Trail has been specially designed for those who require, or prefer, a smoother surface and gentler slopes ... The Norsey Wood Trail is the new name for the former Nature and Historical Trails and follows the same route.'

'On the northern fringe of Swansea, and within sight of the M4 motorway, lies Penllergare Valley Woods. It is a secret and magical place. A place where you can enjoy the sound of birds, delight in the profusion of wild flowers, discover evidence of exotic plantings and uncover for yourself the hidden features of a grand design ...'

'Walk round Buxton passing through many of the woodlands which surround the town. This guide also describes links to the walk from the town centre and from Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre; using these links, the route can be completed as three shorter circular walks, each of about 3-4 miles/5-6km.'

'If you fancy a stroll through one of the many woodlands in the District, you can download these guides for information about each of the areas.' (Twelve PDF guides can be downloaded.)

'Walking these routes is a great way to experience the area as our ancestors did. The great hunting forest of Feckenham covered 190 square miles of Oak forest. Although there are only patches of forest left here, you can explore the ancient woodlands, local legends, flower rich meadows and nature reserves, as you wander through the gentle rolling hills of North Worcestershire. There are three walks to choose from ...

'Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve is the largest block of ancient, semi-natural woodland in Greater London and include one of the most extensive oak/hornbeam coppice woods in southeast England. The site also includes acid and neutral grassland, ponds, streams and marshland.'

'Just five minutes from bustling Banchory lies Scolty Hill, flanked with quiet woodlands and topped by the iconic Scolty Tower ...'

'From the majestic lawns and flowerbeds that envelope the main avenues to the winding forest paths mapped out for walkers and joggers there is an atmosphere of tranquillity and a freshness in the air. Families come with children to picnic at the play park and others avail of the nearby restaurant for a spot of lunch after a long walk.'

'Within 5 minutes walk from the Secret Hills Centre you will find yourself in the heart of the countryside. Explore the woods and fields and discover a Civil War battlefield, a hidden fortress, a deer park and a Roman road!' Note that the outline description has become theThree Trees Walk though the PDF is still the Three Woods Walk. ALERT Details of this Walk no longer seems directly accessible from the Shropshire' Great Outdoors Website; so I have changed the Link.

'Whether you're looking for an easy-going trail for all abilities, to explore the local history, or for a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, we've got a trail for you.'

'It’s a simple vision: to plant, protect and preserve a huge broadleaf forest – a place of tranquility and natural beauty that’s open to anyone and planted with the help and support of everyone ... The Forest stretches across the heart of England – from the ancient Forest of Arden, south to the edge of the Vale of Evesham. It’s an area dense in cities, towns and industry. Which is why we’re creating a place to walk under shady canopies and through airy glades, away from the bustle of city life.'

'Whippendell Wood is situated on the outskirts of Watford, and, although owned and managed by Watford Borough Council, it is geographically in the local authority of Three Rivers.' This Site is now fee-based.

'The woods around Windmill Hill have something to offer everyone - whether it's a relaxing woodland stroll with friends, family outings, walking the dog or just enjoying the scenery ...'