Got a penchant for adventure? You’ve probably stumbled upon the North York Moors on a mission to find somewhere new to wander, but if you haven’t, your summer bucket list is about to get a little bit longer.
Nestled on the edge of the North York Moors, Dalby Forest is quite the beast of the forest, spanning a whopping 8,000 acres and providing ample greenery for the lucky folk that live nearby to enjoy. But it’s not the greenery that attracts visitors by the bucket-load year-round. It’s the ample activities.
Home to winding paths a-plenty, visitors of Dalby Forest can enjoy the choice of 13 different walking trials – with varying scenery including lake views, sights across the valley, forest trails and fascinating rock formations. Basically, it’s a rambler’s paradise, and naturally, dogs love it, too.
Boasting trails for all abilities, ramblers at Dalby Forest can opt for rewarding, steep hikes that end with fantastic views above the valley, or stick to shorter, more wholesome family-friendly strolls with sights of deer, rabbits and other wildlife to enjoy.
It’s not just wildlife you’ll spy on your adventure, either… There’s stunning art sculptures, Gruffalos and educational trails to spot during your wander, making it not only a great place for the grown-ups to get out and explore, but an entertaining day out for the kids, too.
For the budding cyclists and mountain bikers among us, expect tons of other trails with varying grades and terrains to challenge yourself with, with options to enjoy the forest’s beautiful rock gardens or zoom on through the trees.
The thrill-seekers among us needn’t worry either, as Dalby Forest is also home to the fantastic Go Ape – a tree-top adventure course where guests to climb, swing, and zip-line through the mammoth trees while experience some of the best views in the forest.
Unfortunately for me, I’m terrified of heights so you’ll likely find me on the beginner’s course clinging for dear life, but those who do dare will most certainly be rewarded with 1) bags of adrenaline and 2) incredible sights of one of Yorkshire’ finest forests.
In addition to all that, Dalby Forest also sits within one of the UK’s official Dark Sky Reserves (the North York Moors), meaning on a clear day, you’ll be treated to sparkling skies overhead, which are best enjoyed when camping within the forest, or glamping in a luxurious cabin at the nearby Forest Holidays at Cropton (hot tubs included – essential after a long, long walk!).
Depending on which edge of the forest you find yourself in, there’s plenty of pubs to wind down in afterwards, including the cosy Fox & Rabbit in Lockton, Scarborough’s Moorcock Inn, and the Horseshoe Inn near Pickering – all your traditional Yorkshire-style pubs.
Find out more and book activities here.
[Featured image: Photo © Christine Matthews (cc-by-sa/2.0)]
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