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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...

Go ape tree top junior Grizedale
Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Built for the whole family, this is the ultimate tree top experience of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings and an awesome zip wire finale in Grizedale.

The perfect high ropes...

Child jumping in puddle and being splashed in the face
Play areas

Our amazing adventure play area is great for kids to burn off any excess energy, with plenty to keep them occupied.

There are also picnic benches and undercover seating close by...

Little girl climbing in play area
Play areas

Designed for our younger visitors, our new play area should keep them entertained. We've built climbing frames, scramble nets, swings and a balance course all with the youngest...

Family enjoying a woodland trail
Walking trails and routes

Starting from the Lakes carpark, the Blue Walk passes through Sequoia Avenue, one of the special features of the area.

This double rowed avenue of Sequoias was planted in the...

Go ape tree top adventure mallards pike
Go Ape Treetop Challenge

Challenge your inner daredevil!

Whether you are looking for an activity day out for your family or a corporate team building day, Go Ape Tree Top Challenge will take you high...

people on Segways on a forest path
Segway

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

You will receive training and get the chance to practice...

Three people walking along a forest track
Walking trails and routes

Formerly part of Lynford Hall estate, this area still retains features which reflect its parkland origins. The man made lakes were part of the gardens landscaped for the hall.

The...

Family walking through autumnal forest
Walking trails and routes

The Blue and Green walks here at Lynford Stag picnic site can be joined to lengthen the trails.

The Fairy Forest sculptures at Jeskyns Community Woodland

A community of fairies and elves have recently discovered Jeskyns and they liked it so much that they have decided to set up their very own village! 

Look for the gate in the Sand...

Dog looking into distance with ears up
Walking trails and routes

Can you and your dog tunnel, weave and balance your way along this fun trail?  

Chopwell Wood mixed woodland

For those that wish to explore further, the Darnley Trail links Jeskyns to five neighbouring countryside sites, including Shorne Woods Country Park and Ashenbank Woods.  

attending a learning event
Orienteering

Try your hand at orienteering, a map reading challenge for all levels.

The aim for everyone is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map. If you are a...

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...

Gruffalo's friend, Fox sculpture in the forest
Gruffalo sculptures

If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his friends from Julia Donaldson's classic story. 

His friends have only just joined us here at Fineshade...

Child flying through the woods on a zip wire
Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Built for the whole family, this is the ultimate tree top experience of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings and an awesome zip wire finale.

Alongside being a great family...

Go Ape tree top adventure Cannock Chase
Go Ape Treetop Challenge

Challenge your inner daredevil! Whether you're looking for an activity day for your family or a corporate team building day, Go Ape Tree Top Challenge will take you to the top of...

people on Segways on a forest path
Segway

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

You will receive training and get the chance to practice...

Go ape forest segway high lodge
Segway

Go Ape locations in our forests are now open. Pre-booking is essential. More information is available on the Go Ape website.

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have...

Close up of walking boots of person walking along a leafy path
Walking trails and routes

The longest way marked walk in the Wood. The route tours the Wood from north to south, giving you an overall feel for the character of the woodland. Contrast the dappled light in...

walkers enjoying a walk through nature in autumn
Walking trails and routes

This is a level, moderately easy walk along wide forest roads and tracks. The route incorporates part of the old railway line that used to carry coal from Chopwell and High Spen...

woodland landscape
Walking trails and routes

Wilverley Inclosure is a mixture of conifers and broadleaves, old and young, with some open areas making it a beautiful and interesting place to explore by foot or on bike.  

The...

Family walking on a woodland trail
Walking trails and routes

The magnificient Douglas Fir trees on the lower slopes of Dodd Wodd are the prominent feature of this trail. These trees are selectively thinned to create gaps on the forest floor...

Tall Trees Trail entrance
Walking trails and routes

From the car park walk under the wooden archway and cross over the road, the marker posts guide you along a shady path beneath mighty Douglas fir trees and redwoods that were...

Walking at Blackwater Arboretum
Walking trails and routes

Blackwater is maturing into an excellent arboretum with an interesting range of trees in an atmospheric location. A trail to excite the senses.  You can experience the Forest...

fallow deer in a grass glade
Walking trails and routes

A short stroll leading you to a deer viewing platform overlooking fields where a wild herd of fallow deer are frequently seen. 

girl on a swing in a playground
Play areas

Scramble, slide and swing your way around our play area.

A challenge for all ages, we have a tube slide, obstacle course, swings, zip-line and much more.

Close up of walking boots of person walking along a leafy path
Walking trails and routes

Including the deer fields, this meandering route leads you past some majestic trees, the oldest of which dates back to 1860. Benches from which to admire the scenery can be found...

walkers enjoying a walk through nature in autumn
Walking trails and routes

A longer route that takes you into the heart of the forest and across the Bratley Water stream. Towards the end of the route, the trail leads you past the deer viewing platform...

A track through the forest
Walking trails and routes

Enjoy a wonderful circular walk through the woods. From the Reptile Centre car park, follow red marker posts along the main gravelled track, which is fairly smooth. You can also...

A couple walking along a forest trail
Walking trails and routes

This is a linear route that runs gradually up hill and is suitable for buggies and mobility scooters. However it is a long route for anyone pushing a wheelchair.

The quarry...

A women walking along a trail on a hillside, looking at the view
Walking trails and routes

Follow the blue waymarkers for a walk through mixed woodland. 

En-route you will pass pass Nancy Spragg's cottage. Not much is left there now, but can you spot the lilac and plum...