It may feel like a sad time as summer comes to an end. Those days chilling in the hot sun, trips to the seaside, BBQs, endless ice creams, going camping, and pints in your favourite beer garden bring back the best memories. However, all is not lost! Autumn is fast approaching, and it brings its own magic.
The season evokes visions of leaves with shades of orange, red, gold, and brown falling from the trees, crunching under our feet as we walk and enjoy the crisp, cool air. We think of evenings sitting in cosy pubs next to a roaring fire, or curled up at home with hot chocolate or a spiced latte.
Luckily for you, Yorkshire is wonderful in the autumn months with so many places to explore. There is a place in particular that you have to visit, located a short distance from the popular seaside town of Scarborough – the Forge Valley Woods.
Idyllic and Full of Life and Colour
It will take you on a journey through approximately 160 acres of tranquil, ancient woodland. It is the largest community-managed woodland in England, and is beautifully maintained. The start and finish of the walk are at the Old Man’s Mouth car park, which is free to use. You will follow easy-to-navigate footpaths and trails.
The walk is approximately 2 miles and is perfect for walkers of all abilities (you can extend the walk if you so choose). It follows the banks of the River Derwent, making for an idyllic river setting. It is perfect for a leisurely autumn stroll, taking in fresh air and the sights and sounds of the woods.
If you are a nature lover, then you’ll be excited to hear that the woods are teaming with diverse flora and fauna. You can come across animals such as:
- Otters
- Beautiful demoiselle
- Woodcocks
- Water Voles
- Willow Tits
- Marsh Tits
- White-Letter Hairstreaks
- Woodpeckers
- Kingfishers
If you are taking the kids, they will have so much fun spotting the different critters, and if they’re quick enough, get some great photos to remember the day. You will also see beautiful flowers such as wood anemones, bluebells, toothwort, and yellow archangel, making the walk even more enchanting.
The Forge Valley Woods offers a magical, colourful woodland autumn walk that is full of wildlife and seasonal colours. So, shake off the end-of-summer blues and head down into the woods and experience the beauty of nature and the great North Yorkshire countryside. They are located at Forge Valley, East Ayton, Scarborough YO13 9EW.
Read More: 14 Of The Best And Most Scenic River Walks In Yorkshire
Feature Image Credit: Photo © N Chadwick (cc-by-sa/2.0)
