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Horse rider in orange high vis slowly trotting past a walker in the forest
Horse riding

Starting at the Grove Car Park, the trail has good views over the Bedburn valley and passes through a variety of woodlands and more open spaces on wide forest roads.

 

Photo of the children's play area at Salcey Forest
Play areas

Scramble, slide and swing your way around our play area. Or why not try your hand in our Forest Cafe play kitchen? And if you are feeling brave you can develop your balancing

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Group of three people walking past a tree
Walking trails and routes

A circular trail that takes in views of the Dalby valley. Starting from the Visitor Centre this route follows a steep gradient and bumpy forest path. Crossing at the old tennis...

A family of four cycling on forest trail
Cycling & mountain biking

Named after the river Tang, this gentle ride through the woods is great for families. There is also a shortcut along the route.

Four young children smiling as they look at an activity sheet around a tree stump
The Gruffalo Party Trails

The Gruffalo is turning 25! To celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party...

boy interacting with a Gruffalo activity panel
The Gruffalo Party Trails

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday this year and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family...

Open landscape at Bellever Forest
Walking trails and routes

This challenging trail is the only way to reach the remains of Devon's only gunpowder factory: Powdermills. Find out why it was built, who worked there, and how gunpowder was made...

A couple walking along a surfaced forest trail

A short, surfaced path leads from the car park to the East Dart riverbank, a perfect spot for scenic picnicking.

For a longer Tramper-friendly route, try the Cycle and Tramper...

Horse riders on a woodland trail
Horse riding

This horse riding trail starts from the Grove Car park and explores the more remote parts of the forest passing through plantation and moor land and offering spectacular views.

 

Young boy wearing Gruffalo crown, with his thumbs up
The Gruffalo Party Trails

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a fun forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all...

Cyclists riding through the forest on a dirt track
Cycling & mountain biking

Our longer family cycling route F.I.D.O. is named after the WWII 'Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation' which allowed 4200 Allied aircraft to make emergency landings at...

A forest track heading between conifers
Walking trails and routes

A pleasant walk from nearby the Visitor Centre. This trail has a steady incline upwards with a with a chance to see deer at the viewpoint.

The walk passes by a ‘rabbit type’, an...

A digital illustration of the Gruffalo standing in the forest with bunting strung above him.
The Gruffalo Party Trails

2024 is The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday year and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all...

A family with backpacks walking down a forest track

Starting at the Dalby Courtyard near the Visitor Centre, the Ellerburn Trail is a multi-user pathway for disabled cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users as well as being a safe...

children on the play trail at Hamsterley Forest
Play areas

Set along a pushchair friendly path straddling both sides of the bubbling Bedburn Beck.

The trail presents a bucketful of opportunities for kids to play in mature woodland and in...

Sun shining through the trees in a pine forest

If you are looking for an ideal spot for picnicing, a walk in the woods or amazing views then Wilverley has it all. 

From the car park there's easy access into the adjoining...

Panoramic view across Bellever Tor to surrounding Dartmoor
Walking trails and routes

Take in the unforgettable view from Bellever Tor at the end of this scenic route. Meander through the forest past hut circles and grazing ponies before striking out up to the tor.

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A group of Nordic walkers walking through a young conifer plantation
Walking trails and routes

Explore the wide variety of forest environments at Haldon and get to know the history of the Haldon Hills with our information panels dotted along the way. Don't miss the turn-off...

A ranger walking through historic site at Bellever
Walking trails and routes

Immerse yourself in the rich archaeology of Bellever Forest including the Kraps Ring Bronze Age enclosure.

For the full family experience, pop over the road to the Dartmoor...

3 women wear gym gear and pose with legs wide open, bent over to the side, with one arm up and one arm reaching down towards their toes. They stand in front of a forest background with dappled light shining through
Fitness and wellbeing activities

Join us at 9:30am every Sunday this summer for free, expert-led yoga among the forest trees, in partnership with Park Yoga.

Take some time for you this summer. Relax, re-energise...

Suspension bridge over a river in a forest
Walking trails and routes

This route is not specifically waymarked but follows public footpaths.

Start by descending steep steps down to the river and the Saracens Head pub where you can cross using the...

A rusted metal sculpture of two female foresters working on a tree.
Forestry England Arts map

A sculpture to commemorate the role of women who worked in Britain’s woodlands during the Second World War. Ray Lonsdale’s steel fabrication of a felled tree and two lumberjills...

Child on bike looking at Gruffalo's Child Hamsterley Forest

Wheelchair and pushchair friendly walking trail along the banks of Bedburn beck.

Discover the Gruffalo sculptures along the way as you explore!.

Two mountain bike riders on a singletrack forest trail
Cycling & mountain biking

Kiddens is one of two blue-graded cycle trails. Kiddens is a a good progression from Spicers, offering more challenging terrain with greater changes in gradient.

Helmets must always...

View from Symonds Yat Rock in spring

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge...

A sculpture of the Gruffalo in the forest
Gruffalo sculptures

If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child from Julia Donaldson's fantastic story.

The sculptures can be found by parking at...

disc golf at high lodge

Disc golf is a great way to spend time in the forest with friends and family. 

Whether you’re looking to try something new or have played before, we’ve got everything you need to...

A view across open fields with rolling hills in the distance
Walking trails and routes

This trail around Pexton Moor has outstanding views of the riggs and dales of Dalby and Ellerburn along a route that takes in a range of woodland habitats. Don't miss the striking...

Giant Gruffalo Sculpture in the Forest
Gruffalo sculptures

If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child plus other characters from Julia Donaldson's fantastic story. 

Each wooden sculpture...

A view of a lake surrounded by forest
Walking trails and routes

This trail circles Staindale Lake along boardwalks and well-surfaced paths. It's particularly worth stopping at Staindale Lake dam on the west end of the lake to enjoy its tranquil...

Two cyclists on a flat cycle trail in a conifer forest
Cycling & mountain biking

Spicers is one of two blue-graded cycle trails. Spicers is a great confidence builder for off-road cycling skills for those who have mastered the basics. Spicers introduces a...

Trail through the woods
Walking trails and routes

A 1.5 mile trail taking in the Haye Park Wood area of the forest starting from Black Pool Car Park.

Along the trail, discover archaeological features including quarries, charcoal...