The United Kingdom has a lot to offer tourists looking for a dynamic traveling experience. You can ditch busy spots like galleries and monuments to spend time with nature. Explore nature’s wonders by walking some very captivating forests in the UK. You have many options from England to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Start from these:
Castlewellan Forest Park, Northern Ireland
Castlewellan Forest Park in Northern Ireland is one of the most captivating forests in the United Kingdom and Europe. It has a wide variety of tree species and shrubs in perfect shapes that attract enthusiasts worldwide. You can join tours to Ireland as many of them include packages that include tours of forests and woodlands.
Of these woodlands, Castlewellan Forest Park stands out for its appealing features, including terraces, ornamental gates, flower borders, and fountains. You can engage in Castlewellan Forest Park activities, including camping, walking, horseriding, mountain biking, cycling, orienteering, fishing, canoeing, and many more.
Glen Affric, Cannich, Scotland
Hop on a London to Glasgow train and prepare for the long but scenic trip to the neighboring country. You can start your adventure there from the stunning Glen Affric Forest of Scotland. Located in the southwest of Cannich village, this forest spreads across 30 miles of land. It mainly consists of old pinewoods and thick brush. However, its beauty is elevated by the snowy mountains that surround it. It also has interesting wildlife, including otters, golden eagles, and red squirrels.
There is so much to do in Glen Affric apart from admiring the beauty of the woods. You can walk casually across the woodlands and take pictures of the beautiful scenery. If you want to engage in physical activities, though, there is much more to enjoy. The forest has excellent walking trails if you love to hike. The stress is worth it, as the trail features waterfalls and canyons that will steal your breath. Glen Affric is one of the oldest forests in the UK.
Grizdale Forest, Lake District, England
A list of captivating forests in the UK is incomplete without the remarkable Grizedale Forest. Located near Coniston Water, this forest is in the World Heritage Site of Lake District. Spanning 10 square miles of woodland, this forest offers as much as you would expect from it and more. It has many sculptures created by internationally-acclaimed artists spread across the entire forest. Since they are made of natural materials like stone and wood, you must keep your eyes peeled to spot them while exploring the forest.
Admiring the beautiful woodland and artwork is not all there is to do in Grizedale Forest. An extensive network of walking and cycling trails offers you a dynamic view of the forest. If you do not want to walk the whole length of the forest, you can explore on horseback or two wheels. For more adventurous travelers, you can amp up your excitement by swinging among the trees on one of the Go Ape courses in the forest.
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, England
Finally, we have Ashdown Forest, one of the most famous woodlands in the United Kingdom. It covers 9.5 square miles of land, making it the largest area of land with public access in South East England. Its heathlands are a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation so that you can see a lot of fauna and flora around. This is a long development from medieval times when it was used as a hunting forest.
Ashdown Forest has a remarkable influence on popular culture, especially as it was the inspiration for AA Milne’s Five Hundred Acre Wood in his Winnie the Pooh series. It is also popular among nature lovers, especially walkers who love the paths in the forest. The long-distance routes, the Vanguard Way and the Wealdway are the most popular. Others include Chelwood Vachery, Broadstone Amble, Southern Slopes, and the Airman’s Grave.
A significant portion of UK woodlands is managed sustainably. This fact necessitates urgent attention to managing these areas more sustainably. Apart from being beautiful places to spend some time away from the bustle of the cities, woodlands are also excellent carbon catchers. As you walk the old and stunning forests, appreciate their role in keeping our environment healthy.