Staycation
Glen Affric, Inverness, Scotland
Forests holidays in north England and Scotland From the starry skies of Galloway Forest Park to the wildlife-rich woodland of Northumberland’s Kielder Forest, there’s no denying that some of our country’s most magical forests can be found in northern England and Scotland. Forests are a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem, even giving us the oxygen we breathe. So it’s not surprising that they’re places we head to when we’re craving a sense of calm – somewhere to escape to and catch our breath. There’s no better place to lose yourself in nature for a little while. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, kayaking, or just drinking in the scenery, the forests in northern England and Scotland have it all. With so many to choose from, we’ve put together three of our favourites, perfect for your next day trip or staycation. Galloway Forest, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland Where better to start than with the UK’s largest forest? At 297 square miles, Scotland’s Galloway Forest is a sprawling playground of dramatic ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and an astonishing range of local wildlife. Designated a Forest Park in 1947, it’s fondly referred to by the locals as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’. Many of its 800,000 yearly visitors are drawn to
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its remoteness. Light pollution is so low here that it’s been recognised as a Dark Sky Park – meaning that its skies are on par with those hanging above Arizona’s Grand Canyon. In short, it’s perfect for stargazing. After a night camping out under the stars, it’s time to explore. The park’s three visitor centres are good places to start. Kirroughtree is your gateway to more active adventures, including the award-winning 7stanes mountain bike trails. If wildlife spotting is more your scene, look out for roe deer and rare red squirrels. Or why not visit the park’s Red Deer Range to get close to some of Galloway’s resident deer? Galloway isn’t just woodland either; there are around 250 lochs to discover too. No doubt you’ll stumble upon a few while you’re exploring the park’s scenic walking and cycling trails. Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England When it comes to size, Northumberland’s Kielder Forest is also a front runner. Spanning 235 square miles, it’s the largest forest in England – and the second largest in the UK as a whole. If that wasn’t enough, Kielder is also home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, making it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. Hire a pleasure boat, go fishing, or try your hand at
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