Best forest hiking trails in England
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Best forest hiking trails in England

Need a nature reset? These forest hikes will immerse you in a sea of greenery, where the air is crisp, the ground is soft, and every step feels like a magical woodland escape.

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Ivybridge to Holne Walk

Devon, England · star 4.0 (3) · 21.2 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

2

Easy

Harewood Circular Walk

Leeds, England · star 5.0 (3) · 7.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 48 min

3

Medium

Cheddar Waterfall and Cheddar Gorge and Caves Loop

Somerset, England · star 4.0 (7) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 46 min

4

Easy

Sutton Reservoir and Macclesfield Canal

Cheshire East, England · star 5.0 (3) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 18 min

5

Easy

Seaford to Eastbourne Walk

East Sussex, England · star 5.0 (6) · 21.7 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

6

Difficult

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Westmorland and Furness, England · star 5.0 (11) · 12.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 5 min

7

Easy

Debdale Park and Gorton Lower and Upper Reservoir Loop

Manchester, England · star 4.0 (6) · 4.4 km · Est. 56 min

8

Medium

Haven Cliffs Naturist Beach, Golden Cap and Thorncombe Beacon

Devon, England · star 5.0 (4) · 28.3 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

9

Easy

Shawford Down Loop

Hampshire, England · star 5.0 (2) · 1.8 km · Est. 27 min

10

Easy

Bagley Wood and West Wood Loop

Oxfordshire, England · star 5.0 (4) · 5.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 11 min

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Reviews for forest hiking trails in England

Fr. Domenic MacGyver avatar

Ivybridge to Holne Walk

TundraBirchwanderer32 · reviewed 11 months ago

star star star star star

Nicola Raper avatar

Harewood Circular Walk

NikkiR · reviewed 2 months ago

star star star star star

Neil Everett avatar

Cheddar Waterfall and Cheddar Gorge and Caves Loop

Neil · reviewed about 2 months ago

star star star star star

Steven Boothby avatar

Sutton Reservoir and Macclesfield Canal

Bibio · reviewed about 1 month ago

star star star star star

Anastasiia Tsvetkova avatar

Seaford to Eastbourne Walk

Southwestr · reviewed 6 months ago

star star star star star

The Seven Sisters look most spectacular from the Seaford side, of course! I personally found it a bit annoying to track there-and-back along the river because the crossing is quite far. The rest of the walk is of medium difficulty due to ups and downs, but the path was comfortable and easy to walk on. Like, walking it in flip-flops would be a bit weird but perfectly doable in dry weather. And Eastbourne was picturesque all the way to the station.

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in England

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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