Woodland walks

Visitors walking in the woodland at Blickling, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Watch the colours of the leaves change as the seasons unfold in ancient and landscaped woodlands and tree-lined avenues. Find a sense of calm among the trees with our pick of the best woodland and forest walks.

Black Down, West Sussex: Find sunken lanes on the Temple of the Winds trail, which leads to a far-reaching view of the South Downs National Park. Walk through tranquil woodlands towards the Temple of the Winds and rest on the charming curved stone seat.Follow the Temple of the Winds trail
Blickling Estate walk, Norfolk: Blickling's woodland walk is ideal for adventurers, with plenty of history to discover along the way. Follow this 4.5-mile walk to discover the Plantation, Tower, Brickyard and Mausoleum. The Great Wood is full of bluebells in spring, while the amber beech and sweet chestnut trees put on a display in autumn.Follow the Blickling Estate walk
Borrowdale, Cumbria: The woodlands that cloak these hills are surviving fragments of an enormous ancient forest that once stretched from Scotland all the way down the west coast of England and Wales. Dominated by oak, they provide refuge for red squirrels, deer and various birds of prey. Follow this trail to learn more about the geology and origins of Borrowdale.Follow the Borger Dalr geology walk
Chartwell, Kent: This 5-mile circular walk starts with sweeping views over the Weald of Kent at Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill. It then takes you to Emmetts Garden, well known for its bluebell display in spring, and through the wooded Toys Hill, which comes alive with colour in autumn.Follow the Weardale circular walk
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire: Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk, which includes a family play trail, picnic areas and views over the River Thames. Snowdrops adorn the woodland floor in early spring, while the treetops glow amber when autumn comes around.Follow the Cliveden woodland walk
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire: Discover the quieter parts of Clumber Park on this circular walk through the woods. You'll pass a lake, an 18th-century pleasure ground and a chapel, commissioned in 1886, along the way.Follow the southern Clumber trail
Croft Castle, Herefordshire: An enjoyable stroll through the fields around Croft Castle, taking in some of the ancient trees on the estate, including an avenue of chestnuts and the 1,000-year-old Quarry Oak. There's also a chance to visit the medieval church of St Michaels and All Angels.Follow Croft Castle's ancient tree walk

Man and woman in warm clothing walking along footpath covered with leaves, with autumn foliage all around — Visitors walking in autumn at Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Crom, County Fermanagh: Follow this easy trail and discover brightly coloured toadstools in autumn and wood anemones in spring. Crom's 2,000-acre estate, made up of tranquil islands and ancient woodlands, is home to a wealth of wildlife. Look out for fallow deer, otters and herons along the way.Follow Crom's wildlife walk
Felbrigg, Norfolk: Head along this family-friendly trail to explore Felbrigg's Victory 'V' – two linked avenues of beech trees planted in 1946, which were designed to look like the letter V from the air. Along with a hidden lake, you'll pass an 18th-century ice house built to resemble a ruin and a characterful 14th-century church.Follow Felbrigg's family-friendly trail
Florence Court, County Fermanagh: Take this gentle circular walk to see one of the most famous trees in Northern Ireland – the original Irish yew, Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’. Now more than 250 years old, it's the mother plant of every Irish yew around the world. There are plenty of historical features to spot too, including the walled garden and ice house in the Pleasure Grounds.Follow the blue trail at Florence Court
Hatfield Forest, Essex: This ancient royal hunting forest is now a traditionally managed coppice woodland, with historic rides featuring rare wildlife and the wild fallow deer herd. Discover the sights that make it a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.Follow the Hatfield forest walk
Hinton Ampner, Hampshire: Roam the woodland on the historic Dutton Estate at Hinton Ampner. With a mixture of conifer and native broad-leaf trees, the woodland is home to badgers, roe deer, foxes and rare barbastelle bats. This circular walk will also take you along avenues lined with towering beech trees, which create a rich autumn display.Follow the Dutton Estate walk
Killerton, Devon: Walk through Danes Wood at Killerton, a haven for wildlife with a thriving population of songbirds and butterflies. Soak up melodic birdsong in the warmer months and return for the rare fungi over autumn and winter.Follow the Danes Wood walk
Kingston Lacy, Dorset: Explore the Kingston Lacy estate on foot or by bike with this trail through its surrounding woodland. The circular route leads you through beautiful woodland and along historic carriage drives. There are stunning views of the house and parkland, and wildlife fans will enjoy spotting the resident herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle or the smaller creatures found in the woodland.Follow the woodland trail
Minnowburn, County Down: Leave the hustle and bustle of Belfast behind and head to Minnowburn for a calming oasis near the city. This short circular walk leads around the pond, through woodland and on to a low-walled garden with views over the Lagan Valley and beyond. Brimming with beech trees, the woods come to life with colour in autumn.Follow Minnowburn's Terrace Hill trail

Visitor on the Lake Walk using an electric mobility scooter at Mount Stewart, County Down — Visitor looking out from the Lake Walk at Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Mount Stewart, County Down: Seek out red squirrels on this trail around the lake, gardens and woodlands at Mount Stewart. Take the route through Rhododendron Hill or pause in the hide for your best chance at spotting these elusive creatures. Visit in spring and you'll also be treated with the fragrance of bluebells in bloom.Follow Mount Stewart's red squirrel trail
Quarry Bank, Cheshire: Explore more than 400 acres of woodland at Quarry Bank. Take a stroll under towering redwoods and pause for a game of Pooh sticks on the river bridges. If you're lucky, you may spot the flash of blue of a kingfisher darting by.Follow Quarry Bank's kingfisher walk
Springhill, County Londonderry: Follow an avenue of beech trees up to the tower at Springhill on this quick walk. There's an array of colour throughout the year, from the lush green of spring through to the rich reds of autumn. When you reach the tower on a clear day, you'll be rewarded with views of the Sperrin Mountains.Follow Springhill's beech walk
Sugar Loaf, Monmouthshire: On the slopes of Sugar Loaf, the southernmost peak of the Black Mountains, you'll find a semi-ancient oak woodland. Try out this short circular walk for peaceful views and paths that wind between the trees.Follow the Clytha walk in the Usk Valley
The Vyne, Hampshire: The combination of lofty trees and woodland glades makes Morgaston Woods a popular home for wildlife. See what you can spot on this short circular walk through the woodland and along the lake. Keep an eye out for the remains of a medieval fish pond and a Second World War storage site along the way.Follow the woodland walk at The Vyne
Woodland Hill, Somerset: Near to Fyne Court, discover a variety of native wildlife around Woodland Hill. Red deer often graze in the woodland, while butterflies flutter around the glades in summer. You can also take in the far-reaching views over the Somerset countryside and explore the open healthland.Follow the Woodland Hill circular walk
Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire: This tranquil wooded valley, with remains of an 18th and 19th-century landscape park and a chain of five lakes, is fringed by woodland and pasture and has an abundance of wildlife.Follow Woodchester Park's boathouse walk

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

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