Pathways > The Pathways book > Forest tracks
Forest tracks
Quite a substantial area of Britain became Royal Forest after 1066. William the Conqueror dedicated large tracts of land to his and his followers' hunting pleasure. Strict laws were enacted to protect the land and the 'venison', the animals reared for the chase. The 'forest' was not just woodland but open areas of grassland as well. The restrictions placed on the local people made life harsh, but the punishments for transgressing forest law could be harsher still.
From the Middle Ages onwards woodlands became industrial places, valued as sources of timber, foraging for pigs and the location of quarries and mines. In wooded river valleys water mills provided power in the days before coal. In places the air would be thick with the sulpherous stink of iron smelting, the ovens stoked with charcoal from the surrounding wood.
It is a far cry from the tranquil environment of most woods and forests today.
The Forest of Dean walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum on forest tracks, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a cross-section of woodland walks:
Central South Wales
A lovely walk on woodland paths, beautiful in the spring when covered in bluebells and wood anemones, with traces of an industrial past.... More info
Cornwall
Cardinham Woods contains over 250 hectares (650 acres) of mixed woodland set within a complex series of impressive steep valleys and narrow ravines. All abilities can enjoy the beauty of these woodland surroundings. This delightful walk takes you... More info
Derbyshire
The majority of this walk is reasonably easy, mostly on field- and woodland paths with sections of walled lane paths around Bonsall. There is however, a steep climb from Oker crossing the hill towards Bonsall through Jughole Wood from Snitterton. The... More info
A quite demanding walk on the outward route, mostly along field, moor and woodland paths though some road walking is required on both parts. The climb from Stoke Ford towards Eyam is not really steep but is a long drawn out ascent. With a steep... More info
Dorset
From the pretty little Dorset village of Osmington Mills, this short walk takes the SW coast path to Ringstead Bay, then visits tiny Upton along field and woodland paths, with wonderful views over sea and land. ... More info
A delightful walk in Dorset from Ringstead, taking the SW Coast Path with wonderful views across Weymouth Bay, to Osmington Mills, then inland to visit the picture-book village of Osmington, before the return journey on field- and woodland paths; a... More info
Dumfries and Galloway
This route is labelled 'easy' because it is mainly level, with no 'rough walking' and no stiles. It is almost entirely along good woodland paths and tracks or minor roads, with an optional venture onto the beach at Sandgreen.... More info
This 'walk round the estate' combines riverside and woodland paths, tracks and byroads in Drumlanrig Country Park, seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch. ... More info
The route crosses a golf course and leaves Minnigaff by road to reach Blackcraig, where we take the lane up onto the slopes of Larg Hill, to visit the Bruntis Lochs and descend to Kirroughtree Visitor Centre for halfway refreshments. Further woodland... More info
Essex
Starting at the edge of a heath at Eight Ash Green, this walk crosses farmland with excellent views to the picturesque village of Ford Street. It then follows the River Colne and Essex Way to Cook's Mill, before taking a lane and woodland path back... More info
This walk has incredible variety, delightful woodland paths and streams. The sections with views across the River Colne and along Alresford Creek must be experienced. ... More info
Hampshire
This is New Forest walking at its best. You start off in open heathland then turn into Brunes Purlieu, one of the ancient divisions into which the Forest was once divided. After walking a delightful farm track, skirting an unobtrusive camping area,... More info
Starting from a National Trust car park just outside the charming village of Mottisfont, a pleasant walk along the Test Way following the route of a disused railway takes you to Horsebridge. From here you cut across fields and follow a mixture of... More info
Leicestershire
This walk starts in Bosworth Country Park close to the small and pretty Leicestershire town of Market Bosworth. It follows a woodland path and then fields to the village of Sutton Cheney, home of the Battlefield Church where King Richard III himself... More info
Manchester
Circular walk starting near Hopwood Hall College via country lanes and woodland paths. Some suburban roads (approx 400 yards). ... More info
Monmouthshire
A fairly short walk from The Kymin, a National Trust property above Monmouth, walking downwards on woodland paths to the edge of Monmouth and on to Wyesham. A steep climb ensues, to reach The Kymin again on meadow and woodland paths, affording... More info
Norfolk
The route is along tracks, woodland paths, country lanes and across and beside fields.... More info
Northamptonshire
The route starts from the charming village takes to meadows before joining a disused railway embankment track. See some grand and attractive houses, fine horses, and the River Ouse. Quiet
woodland paths and a country lane leads back to Westbury.... More info
Oxfordshire
Lovely Cotswold countryside, meadows, fields, river and streams and woodland paths feature on this lengthy but not strenuous walk, in this area of outstanding natural beauty. ... More info
A cracking little walk in the Cotswolds, featuring two large villages and two picturesque hamlets, with marvellous views and fine churches. The route uses good bridleways, field and woodland paths and at times the Darcy Dalton Way. The scenes are... More info
Shropshire
From Ebury Hill Camping and Caravanning Park, this walk in Shropshire, much of it on woodland paths, visits Uffington and Haughmond Abbey.... More info
Somerset
A short walk, which skirts part of Wimbleball Lake by way of a delightful woodland path and with the high point on Haddon Hill providing fine views over the lake and the hills of Exmoor beyond.... More info
Staffordshire
Walking this route, it can sometimes be a challenge to relate the map to stiles and paths on the ground. There are some steep sections, in particular the descent into the Manifold Valley and climb back into Wetton past Thor's Cave. It takes in a wide... More info
A quite demanding walk, including sections of road-walking along quiet, narrow farm roads. The walk includes three steep climbs, two of which are on National Trust areas of Wetton Hill and Ladyside, though mostly the walk is along field- and woodland... More info
A challenging walk using a wide selection of conditions, mostly along field- and woodland paths, though some road- and track-walking is required. The route has some steep climbs and descents.... More info
A relaxing walk in this area between the Dove and Churnet Valleys, perhaps better known for the nearby Alton Towers. There are some climbs and descents, though not too steep, mostly along field-paths and tracks with sections of tranquil woodland... More info
Stirling
This circular walk explores the great forest of Ard. You will pass a very beautiful lochan near the start of the walk; stop for a moment and take a few photographs. Further on, Ben Lomond appears in the distance; what a magnificent backdrop for Loch... More info
Suffolk
Start from the NT car park at Dunwich Heath. Walk along the beach to Dunwich, then inland and along a track to Great Dingle Hill (RSPB). Return first along the shingle mound to Dunwich, then take the clifftop and woodland path back to Dunwich Heath.... More info
Start from the church, high up on its hill at Stoke by Nayland. It will frequently be visible throughout the walk. Walk through the village and soon use a brief section of the Stour Valley Path (which paradoxically follows the River Box at this... More info
Starting alongside the river you walk the length of the town on woodland paths. Then, having crossed the river on a wooden footbridge, you turn your attention to the town itself. There are very many ancient buildings and the High Street has to be... More info
This is a very satisfying walk, for the most part on field-paths and tracks, with several stretches of sun and shadow- dappled woodland paths.... More info
Warwickshire
From Wellesbourne, a Warwickshire village that has its own large airfield, the route soon leads out into open countryside with far-off views. Field- and woodland paths follow to reach a lengthy stretch on a farm drive that runs alongside fields and... More info
Yorkshire
This is another walk from Dalby Church in the Howardian Hills, around 13 miles north of York. We visit the City of Troy Maze and then move on to the quiet woodland path through Mugdale. Our walk then takes us through the strip village of Scackleton... More info
A half-day walk exploring the area north of Rosedale Abbey in the North York Moors National Park. After reaching Hill Houses we follow a woodland path to take us across to North Dale. After reaching Heygate Bank we return to Rosedale Abbey from the... More info
An easy walk with no strenuous climbing using field paths, bridleways, tracks, an old railway line and woodland paths in the Howardian Hills AONB.... More info
This magical linear walk incorporates a journey on the historic North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Starting from the picturesque market town of Pickering you will jump aboard one of the old steam trains, which takes you through wonderful scenery and on... More info