Best Forest Walks UK

Embark on one of the UK’s best forest walks and immerse yourself in middle of a sprawling, serene landscape. From the Cairngorms National Park to the Forest of Dean, the UK is teeming with remote forestry waiting to be explored. Discover which pathway appeals to you most in our list of the best forest walks in the UK.

Loch Morlich, Aviemore Walk

Nearest campsite: Glenmore

Distance: 6km (2 hours)

Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, in the north-western Highlands, Lake Morlich is a freshwater loch with an award-winning beach, water sports centre and yacht club. Taking around 2 hours to complete, the Loch Morlich Trail is a circular route and the perfect way to experience all aspects of this wonderful landscape.

Starting and ending at the Beach Car Park, before tracing the tip of the loch and winding through nearby forestry, this route offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains and the shimmering loch. Keep an eye out for a glimpse of otters, goldeneyes and red-throated divers.

For more walks in the Cairngorms National Park, take a look at some more amazing Aviemore walks.

Full route

The Kymin Walk, Forest of Dean Walk

Nearest campsite: Bracelands

Distance: 1.5km (30 minutes)

Overlooking Monmouthshire and the Anglo-Welsh border, The Kymin is a hill located around a mile east of the historic county town of Monmouth. Beginning at The Kymin car park, this route combines fascinating history and breath-taking views. On a clear day, you can even see Pen y Fan, the highest point in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

This short route only takes around half an hour to complete but incorporates two interesting Georgian buildings. Built as a monument to Admiral Lord Nelson, the Naval Temple represents Britain’s naval supremacy at the height of the British Empire. Taking in spectacular, far-reaching views, the Round House is an unusual castellated banqueting house.

Looking for more walks in this idyllic part of the country? Take a look at some more of our favourite walks in the Forest of Dean.

Full route

Cashel Forest, Loch Lomond Walk

Nearest campsite: Cashel

Distance: 4.5km (2 hours)

Covering over 3000 acres of Scottish countryside on the eastern side of Loch Lomond, Cashel Forest is home to some of Scotland’s best walking routes. Set in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Cashel Forest is owned by the Royal Scottish Forestry Society and offers idyllic isolation close to Great Britain’s largest lake.

Beginning at the Cashel Native Forest Visitor Centre, this route meanders through Cashel Forest and offers spectacular views of Loch Lomond’s shimmering water and the surrounding mountains’ towering peaks. Lasting just under 3 miles, this route includes an easy to medium ascent and takes around 2 hours to complete.

For other rambles near one of Scotland’s most popular lochs, take a look at some more Loch Lomond Walks.

Full route

Burley Village, New Forest Walk

Nearest campsite: Holmsley

Distance: 6.8km (2.5 hours)

Nestled in the south-western corner of the New Forest National Park, Burley is a charming village steeped in fascinating history and mystic folklore. Today, Burley is one of the New Forest’s most visited villages, mainly due to its long connection with witches. In the 1950s, famous witch Sybil Leek lived in Burley and was often sighted walking through the village with her pet jackdaw on her shoulder.

This circular route is just under 7km long and begins at Burley Village bus stop, before climbing up Castle Hill Lane for great views across the Avon Valley. The route then passes an ancient hill fort on Castle Hill, traces the edge of the Open Forest and passes pretty New Forest properties before returning to the village centre.

For more walks in this once royal forest, take a look at some more wild and wonderful walks in the New Forest.

Full route

Postern Hill, Savernake Forest Walk

Nearest campsite: Postern Hill

Distance: 10km (3-4 hours)

Situated just south of Marlborough, the Savernake Forest is a historic park, Special Site of Scientific Interest and an ideal place to embark on a countryside walk. With a history going back over 1,000 years, this forest has a significant reputation for ancient trees and is home to the Big Bellied Oak – one of the country’s oldest trees and a must-see when you’re visiting this remote part of Wiltshire.

Starting at our Postern Hill campsite, this route walks through ancient woodland, beneath towering oaks and past majestic deer. Circling around the forest for over 6 kilometres before returning to the campsite, this pathway offers a truly remote escape from modern life.   

For more walks in this ancient forest, take a look at some more scenic walks in the Savernake Forest.

Full route

Major Oak, Sherwood Forest Walk

Nearest campsite: Sherwood Pines

Distance: 1.5 miles (45 minutes)

Encompassing over 1,000 acres, Sherwood Forest is a royal woodland in Nottinghamshire, famed for its historic association with the heroic legend of Robin Hood. Annually, around 1 million tourists visit this forest to see the setting for the iconic Robin Hood stories.

Winding through the forest, from the visitor centre to the iconic ancient tree, the Major Oak Trail is the essential Sherwood Forest walking route. Around 1,000 years old, the Major Oak is said to have been where Robin Hood and his merry men slept – and in a 2002 survey, it was voted as Britain’s favourite tree.

Thinking of taking a walk this spring? Take a look at the best bluebell walks near you. Still looking for more things to do on your next camping trip? Take a look at some of our favourite things to do near our campsites.