Forest Holidays in North England and 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 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

FREE ENTRY FOR UNDER 16s!

VINTAGE WEEKEND

SATURDAY 4 & SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2021

Enjoy our first Heritage Steam event at the Shuttleworth Collection immersed in the atmosphere from a bygone age! The weekend will encompass a full day of vintage steam and working vehicles and entertainment on both days, accompanied by a Flying Display at our annual Vintage Air Show on the Sunday.

Enjoy working demonstrations, steam engines, agricultural exhibits including the Shuttleworth Collection’s Clayton & Shuttleworth exhibits, vintage vehicle parades, and try & buy traditional crafts. Saturday just £15! Kids go free! See website for Air Show prices

ALL RIDES FREE!

WWW.SHUTTLEWORTH.ORG/VINTAGEWEEKEND

Shuttleworth, Old Warden, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP | 01767 627933

water skiing or sailing. With miles of beautiful trails, including forest walks for all the family and adrenalineboosting mountain bike tracks, Kielder is perfect for anyone looking to have their own mini adventure. The forest is a haven for wildlife too, with around 50% of England’s native red squirrels calling it home. If you’re quiet, you could also spot rare wildlife including ospreys, pipistrelle bats, roe deer, salmon otters and water voles. Just like Galloway, Kielder is also famous for its dark skies. The forest’s remote location in Northumberland means it’s virtually unaffected by light pollution, making it a stargazer’s idea of heaven. Don’t miss a trip to Kielder Observatory, where you can book ahead to attend a number of fascinating astronomical events.

Glen Affric, Inverness, Scotland

A medley of native woods, glittering lochs, snow-capped mountains and dramatic moorland, Scotland’s Glen Affric could easily have been plucked straight out of Canada. With over 30 miles of ancient pinewoods, the forest is home to one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland. In fact, the woodland is so treasured, it’s become part of the Scottish government’s regeneration project, with a target of 25% forest cover to reach by 2050. Wander amongst the pine trees to the sound of woodland birds, looking out for ospreys, otters and red deer stags. Or tackle some of Affric’s challenging hiking trails, punctuated with thundering waterfalls and jagged canyons. This is Scotland at its most spectacular; you won’t be able to put your camera away. Dog Falls are a must-see, and provide a good starting point for several walking trails. Climb the gradual ascent to the spectacular viewpoint overlooking Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin or picnic beneath the pine trees by Coire Loch. What’s great about Glen Affric is that it’s also a mere hour’s drive from the famous Loch Ness. Surely it would be a crime not to tick off both in one trip?

Galloway Forest, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England