Search a hike or location

search
Best forest hikes in England
Share:

Best forest hikes in England

Need a nature reset? These forest hikes will immerse you in a sea of greenery.

Here are some great hikes to explore in England.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

Harewood Circular Walk

Leeds, England · star 4.9 (7) · 7.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 48 min

2

Easy

Sutton Reservoir and Macclesfield Canal

Cheshire East, England · star 4.7 (3) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 18 min

3

Easy

Debdale Park and Gorton Lower and Upper Reservoir Loop

Manchester, England · star 4.3 (6) · 4.4 km · Est. 56 min

4

Easy

Ivybridge to Holne Walk

Devon, England · star 4.3 (3) · 21.2 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

5

Easy

Wells Harbour and Holkham Naturist Beach Loop

Norfolk, England · star 4.5 (2) · 15.5 km · Est. 3 hrs 14 min

6

Easy

Lickey Hills Country Park Circular Walk

Worcestershire, England · star 4.8 (10) · 9.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 8 min

7

Easy

Roe Green Loopline and Bridgewater Way

Salford, England · star 4.6 (8) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 17 min

8

Easy

Lakeside Lake Loop

Doncaster, England · star 4.2 (6) · 3.2 km · Est. 40 min

9

Medium

Hull Pot and Pen y ghent Loop - Horton in Ribblesdale

North Yorkshire, England · star 5.0 (6) · 13.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 41 min

10

Easy

Hawkshead to Coniston Water Walk

Westmorland and Furness, England · star 4.5 (4) · 8.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 58 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for forest hikes in England

Sophie Parkinson avatar

Harewood Circular Walk

Sophielou199 路 reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

Really lovely circular walk, pretty in spring with all the bluebells and spotted deer and got up close with highland cows! If you want less incline go the opposite direction (main road start).

Steven Boothby avatar

Sutton Reservoir and Macclesfield Canal

Bibio 路 reviewed 10 months ago

star star star star star

Gavin Mosciski II avatar

Debdale Park and Gorton Lower and Upper Reservoir Loop

CrestMeadowwalker99 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Fr. Domenic MacGyver avatar

Ivybridge to Holne Walk

TundraBirchwanderer32 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Gary Mann avatar

Wells Harbour and Holkham Naturist Beach Loop

LedgeFinder31 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes 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.聽

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.

More hikes in England

by difficulty

by type

by activity