Woodland walking is a fine way to explore the outdoors at at any time of the year, there is an abundance of wildlife in the warmer months to an explosion of colour in the autumn. We’ve picked half a dozen of our favourites of these from our archives.
Middleton Woods
Although this walk is best enjoyed in the Spring as they are host to spectacular display of bluebells, you can take this route any time of the year.
Click here to view the details of the Middleton Woods walk
Strid Woods
Strid Woods is owned by the Bolton Abbey Estate and while there are many different walks you can take here, the most popular ones almost always include a section of the ancient woodland.
Click here to view the details of the Bolton Abbey walk
Otley Chevin
The Chevin is a ridge overlooking the market town of Otley, the area is covered by woodland and heathland and this walk, setting off from Bramhope, takes in a section of Otley Chevin Forest Park.
Click here to view the details of the Otley Chevin walk
Boltby
Located on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, Boltby can often be overlooked by many as Sutton Bank is just a few miles away. However, the advantage of this is that there fewer other walkers on this pretty ramble.
Click here to view the details of the Boltby walk
Kings Wood and Roche Abbey
For those in South Yorkshire, the popular places for walking are often the Yorksire Peak District and now the renovated gorunds at Wentworth Castle. But it's worth travelling a bit further afield to Kings Wood near Roche Abbey, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Click here to view the details of the Roche Abbey walk
Freeholders' Wood and Aysgarth
Of course, the main attractions of this walk are the beautiful Wensleydale countryside and the breathtaking Aysgarth Falls, but this quaint woodland is abundant with wildlife for all you nature lovers.
Click here to view the details of the Aysgarth walk
Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags, where some 400 acres of woodland provides a welcoming green buffer between Hebden Bridge and the high moors that surround it. Now in the care of the National Trust, the woods and their deep side valleys have over 15 miles of footpaths.
Click here to view the details of the Hebden Bridge walk
Hackfall Wood
Sitting on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Hackfall Woods is one of the lesser known areas of woodland in Yorkshire. Until the early 20th century when Hackfall fell into decay, tourists flocked to marvel at the wooded gorge and the follies, mock ruins and water features.
Click here to view the details of the Hackfall Wood walk
All the routes were correct at the time of publication, over time access to certain parts of the walk may be subject to change. We advise you acquire a recent OS map of the area you plan to visit and assure there are no major changes.
