The knowledge that crunching leaves underfoot hides a hidden treasure is a secret revealed with the seasons. For in spring a blue hazed carpet of bluebells in this undisturbed woodland in the National Forest will appear. The summer bringing pink and green of wild flowers and ferns into focus, and birds express their joy of living. Who could not be delighted by this the best that England has to offer hidden in the Staffordshire countryside? Walks graded by length and ease of access, bridges and paths lovingly tended by Burton Conservation Volunteers, ending with cream teas on the farmhouse lawn.

www.bluebellwoodsofyoxalllodge.com
Yoxall Lodge, Scotch Hill, Newchurch, Burton upon Trent DE13 8RL
+44(0)1283 575 237
Google map: bit.ly/dBmFkO

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Breathtaking views, an easy walk with lovely autumn colours, and a bonus in the Lakes; dogs can run free in the wood. Follow the main path from the car park going roughly South. The path starts climbing up the side of a pretty beck with a waterfall. Soon you are on the open fell of Low Moss. Turn left and soon you reach the lovely heathery summit of Walla Crag. Rest for a while, eat your sandwiches and take in the view before returning to the path. Stride on in a Northerly direction across the fell until you come to the ford and footbridge at the small farm at Rakefoot. The path leaves the lane after a few yards and looks down precipitously on Brockle Beck. Soon it turns left into Great Wood and any one of the paths takes you back to the start.

A few miles from Keswick on the Borrowdale Road. There is a car park and buses go along the road.
Google map: bit.ly/8Yjet2

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Start near Lord’s Bridge in Wensleydale and follow the footpath west along the south bank of the River Ure. Within a couple of miles you will look down on the river from rocky wooded bluffs, see islands and rapids and bright autumn colours/millions of bluebells and on a good day ancient Castle Bolton on the opposite hillside lit up by the sun. If you want to go on, cross by the stepping stones at Slapestone Wath (near Flesh Dub & Froddle Dub) and return through the West Wood on the other side.

Off the main Wensleydale road (A684) between Wensley & West Witton.
Google map: bit.ly/cNN07p

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Dappled sunlight through birch and oak leaves gives an atmosphere of enchantment to this place of fairy fable. Blueberries and bracken line the path which winds upwards, and on top of the little hill people come and tie rags to the trees to wish away illness and misfortune. Legend has it that the Scots pine on the hill contains the spirit of the Rev Robert Kirk, a 17th Century parish minister, who believed in and wrote about the fairies who inhabited this place, and walked here daily. It is a peaceful, magical place.

Aberfoyle, Trossachs, Stirlingshire
www.theaa.com/walks/up-the-doon-hill-420474
Google map: bit.ly/c4diNK

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If you like your beautiful walks varied, try Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. There are ancient tracks and waymarked modern paths snaking through mixed woodland. You will see woodpeckers and treecreepers, and all the flora you would expect. In addition, there are up to 100 sculptures (all installed in the last few decades). My favourites are a trompe l'oeil elephant on a rock and a giant spindly woman holding a waterfall. There is even a carving on a trunk done by German POWs. Grizedale is a special place with secrets galore.

Grizedale Visitor Centre, nr Hawkshead
Esthwaite Water and Cursey Beck,, Coniston, Cumbria LA22 0QJ
+44(0)1229 860010
Google map: bit.ly/d1uepp

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Amid the elvish-named Gog Magog Hills of Cambridgeshire lies the enchanted world of Wandlebury, 110 acres of woodland paths and chalk grassland. As you walk the winding pathways of the shire's best kept secret look out for a 5th century BC Iron Age ring ditch and the Godolphin Arabian horse grave.
Wandlebury, tended and protected by Rangers and volunteers of the "Cambridge Past Present and Future" charity, has activities for young and old. Right now wade, ankle deep, through flame-coloured leaves in Jubilee Wood and Wormwood Hill, catch a glimpse of ripening blue sloes shimmering in the undergrowth and dodge overhanging boughs laden with berries and rose hips.
Among several events arranged over the next few weeks are a half day dedicated to the secret life of bees and a Hallowe'en storytelling. In November stride out with the Rangers for a moonlit guided walk through Middle Earth, but don't forget to pack your lembas bread.
Wandlebury is anything but a grim fairy tale: the stillness of a misty winter day, the colourful regeneration in spring and lazy abundance of summer make it a year-round spectacle for all ages.

www.cambridgeppf.org/wandlebury-country-park.htm

Price: Free
Car Parking: £2.00 (Cambridge Past, Present & Future members FREE)
Directions
By car: off the A1307 Cambridge to Haverhill Road, 2.5 miles south of the Addenbrookes Hospital roundabout.
By bus: from Cambridge - Stagecoach Citiplus X13 and X13a service between Cambridge & Haverhill.
Wandlebury Ring, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB22 3AE
+44(0)1223 243830
Google map: bit.ly/cYS966

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Bradfield Woods in Suffolk is an extraordinary place to visit at any time of year. It is now managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, but it has been under continuous coppice management since 1252 and you can still buy your firewood and hazel products near the entrance. Some of the coppiced ash “stools” are thought to be over 1000 years old. There are 370 plant species recorded there and you might spot stoats, yellow necked mice, dormice and badgers too.

Felsham Road, Bradfield St George, Bury St Edmund's, IP30 0AQ
Grid reference TL 935581
Map Landranger 155
Google map: bit.ly/aCmSEp

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Exploring the woodland at either side of the River Wharfe, where if flows through this spectacular, narrow gorge, is a splendid experience at any time of the year. In autumn it is even more magnificent. The round trip from the Bolton Abbey estate’s Sandholme car park along one side of the river to Barden Bridge, then returning via the path on the opposite bank is about 5 miles. There are other shorter routes, some of which are wheelchair-friendly or the walk could be extended by starting at the main Bolton Abbey car park. Refreshments are available at the Cavendish Pavilion which is close to the Sandholme car park.

www.boltonabbey.com/whattodo/strid.htm
Google map: bit.ly/bk3QSr

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Wilderness feeling in Repton designed NT grounds of Sheringham Hall. Mysterious, enclosed by twisting trunks: rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, but viewing points take you above the cloud of maple, acer, styrax, oak leaves to reveal its rainbow vastness fringed by sea and coast: magical. Spot North Norfolk steam train skirting woods to Weybourne Station for 40s nostalgia. Pint in village local, stroll cliffs above sea and back through woodlands via lovely visitor centre.

Wood Farm, Upper Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8TL
+44(0)1263 820550
Google map: bit.ly/dxfFEe

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For a short walk of a couple of hours, a spring stroll through Northdown wood is magic. As the bluebells come through, the woodland floor shimmers with irridescent blue in the light that filters through the mature oaks. You take the path along the top of the ridge and look down through acres of bluebells and wild garlic. Then to make the walk circular take the steep path down to the right and following its more gentle assent back to the entrance gate.

The wood is owned by the Woodland Trust who let people walk in their woods. Use the Exe Valley OS map; reference SS929061. Park in the laybay on the A3072 at the top of the hill up from Bickleigh. But why should I tell you when almost no-one goes there to disturb its tranquility. Perhaps instead I should warn you that the cattle in the field on the way up can get fierce especially if you have a dog.
www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/our-woods/Pages/wood-details.aspx?wood=4131
Google map: bit.ly/au1EFB

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Luddenden Dean in the Calder Valley is a hidden gem, and to strangle a metaphor, Wade Wood the jewel in its crown. It's thirty thousand years old; the valley sides of this part of the Pennines were left like this after the last Ice Age. The path up to the stunning settlement of Saltonstall is lined with holly hedges, the remnants of an ancient fence line. Apart from the odd planted tree, it's untouched by man. Luddenden Brook runs through it, there are shaded walks criss crossing throughout, rare plants, woodpeckers and deer - and you can camp very cheaply at the council-run Jerusalem Farm on the edge of the woods. Any time of the year, it's magical, and only five miles from the post-industrial West Yorkshire mill town of Halifax. A great little Timothy Taylors pub, the Cat I'th Well, nestles at the top of the valley.

One mile from the A646 between Halifax and Hebden Bridge.
The Cat I'th Well, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX2 7TR
+44(0)1422 244841
Google map: bit.ly/davrWd

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For an autumn walk in ancient woodland, there is nowhere to beat the glorious Forest of Dean. How do you improve an autumn walk? By combining it with amazing sculptures; think of a giant's chair made from enormous tree trunks perched on a hill or a stained glass window hung between two trees, or an 11 metre tall earthwork based on a Mayan temple. Then add the delight of searching for the amazing wildlife - deer, wild boar and maybe even a goshawk. All you need to add is a crisp autumn morning for the perfect woodland walk.

Start at Beechenhurst Lodge, maps available from the lodge. Parking is £3 per day.
www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/b6aU50

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If you feel in need of escaping the relentless tourist trail and tartan tat in the centre of Edinburgh, then head south to the wealthy suburb of Morningside. Here, beyond the villas and fur coats, you'll find a gem of a woodland walk: the Hermitage of Braid. Only a short bus ride from Princes Street, it combines peace and tranquility, a burbling stream, towering trees and autumn colours to make New England weep. Family-friendly, bike and dog-friendly.

www.fohb.org/new/index.htm
Google map: bit.ly/cuKygJ

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Absolutely beautiful river valley with fantastic walks all along it. The sides of the valley are covered in ancient woodland that is brilliant for walking through. Also Offa's Dyke walk.

www.wyevalleywalk.org/
map: www.wyevalleywalk.org/content.php?nID=6&ws=1

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We discovered this historic trail (about six miles) through walkingworld.com and as woodland walks go this is a stunner. Parking is near the elegiac ruins of Tintern Abbey, and from there one embarks upon a digestible but heart thumping climb up to the Devil’s Pulpit, a rocky outcrop, affording fantastic views, where the evil doer himself supposedly used to preach temptation to the industrious monks scurrying below. The paths trail Offa’s Dyke, a linear earthwork following the Welsh/English borders. One feels alone but not lonely amid the tall centuries-old ash, beech, birch, oak and yew, and the woodland is well preserved and conserved. There is pasture land beyond and you might glimpse the occasional deer and perhaps the ghosts of Wordsworth and Turner who were also inspired by the setting of the ruins and the landscape.

Tintern Abbey, Abbey Mill, Tintern, Chepstow, Gwent NP166SE
+44(0)1291 689251
www.walkingworld.com
ID 1294
Google map: bit.ly/a2GQb0

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Chopwell Wood is a conifer and mixed broadleaf wood. It has three waymarked walking routes, ranging from a simple 40 minute stroll (blue waymarkers) to more serious walks (green and red waymarkers) of up to three hours. The terrain is rough and muddy in places, but the views from "Three Hills" and from the river bank at the south of the woods are outstanding. There are red kites circling over the open grassland south of the woods, and especially later in the afternoon their flight patterns make spectacular viewing. This woodland is quiet and pieceful compared to the nearby 'Gibside' and 'Derwent Railway walks.'

Near Rowlands Gill off the B6315. There is a car park in the centre of the woods. The access road is well signposted when coming from Rowlands Gill.
Google map: bit.ly/aZ1KDH

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These enchanting woods are glorious. On a crisp bright autumn morning, the colours and shapes of the leaves and trees are a feast for the imagination. Here and there are old moss covered walls, the river Duddon tumbles and rushes along to your right. The woods are light and airy with a good variety of trees and are full of birds. In spring the ground is covered with plant life, including huge swathes of bluebells – take your wild flower book with you.
The path is an easy amble and is reached from the Duddon Iron Furnace which is about 100 yards along the Corney Fell Road, immediately to the west of Duddon Bridge on the A595.
As a bonus Swinside Stone Circle is less than two miles away.

South West Cumbria. 100 yards along the Corney Fell Road, immediately to the west of Duddon Bridge on the A595
Google map: bit.ly/cPYz3L

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Forget the colours of autumn; this place is sombre in colour and atmosphere but you will be walking among probably the oldest living organisms in Britain. The yew trees here are up to 2000 years old! Think about it! What sort of people might have been walking in the area when they were saplings? And if you do go on a sunny day and climb higher up the nature reserve out of the trees you will discover fabulous views over the Downs.

NW of Chichester. Turn off the B2178 road from Chichester to East Ashling near East Ashling signposted to West Stoke then follow signs for the Nature Reserve from the village.
www.infobritain.co.uk/Kingley_Vale.htm
Google map: bit.ly/9nmEQE

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A truly magical woodland walk in the Forest of Dean. Thought to be Tolkien's inspiration for Middle Earth and modern day setting for the filming of Merlin. I defy anyone young or old not to feel enchanted by this wood. The entrance is not free, but there are extra facilities for children (an indoor maze, pony rides, willow maze and playground) plus cafe, toilets and parking.It is the wood which is the star though and the experience is worth every penny. Adults £5, Children £3.50, family ticket £16, under 4's free. Open January till 31st October, last entry 3.30pm.

Puzzlewood,
Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB
+44(0)1594 833187
www.puzzlewood.net
Nearest train station: Lydney
Google map: bit.ly/cIqbm4

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Acres of glorious forest walks, paths and trails with amazing views in part on the high ridge looking far towards Exeter. Great butterfly walk for all ages and along the way play with the sculptures, the wooden zylophone, hide in the dens, be free in the forest!

Near Exeter, Devon
www.haldonforestpark.org.uk
+44(0)1392 834251
Haldon Forest Park, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XR‎
Google map: bit.ly/aZ4RO3

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