The UK boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse forest trails, offering great opportunities for hiking with kids and pets. Whether you’re looking for easy, family-friendly routes or slightly more adventurous walks, there’s a forest trail to suit every age and skill level. These scenic routes combine natural beauty with accessibility, making them perfect for an outdoor adventure with the whole family, including furry friends.
1. The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest is one of the UK’s most famous national parks, with an abundance of trails perfect for walking with children and pets. Known for its ancient woodlands, heathlands, and wild ponies, the New Forest offers a range of easy-to-navigate trails.
- Recommended Trail: The Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Walk is an ideal choice for families with young children and dogs. This flat, circular walk takes you through salt marshes, coastal paths, and forests, offering spectacular views of wildlife along the way.
- Highlights: Watch for roaming ponies and other wildlife, explore ancient woodlands, and enjoy scenic views of the coast and countryside.
- Difficulty: Easy, family-friendly with plenty of stopping points.
2. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Known as the legendary home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is not only rich in history but also a perfect spot for family hiking. The forest features a mix of paths suitable for all levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes.
- Recommended Trail: The Robin Hood Trail is an accessible, easy walk that takes you through the heart of Sherwood Forest, past the famous Major Oak, thought to be the hiding place of Robin Hood. It’s a short, circular route that’s ideal for children and pets.
- Highlights: The iconic Major Oak, forest wildlife, and the chance to discover the legend of Robin Hood along the way.
- Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families and pets.
3. Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Kielder Forest is the largest forest in England, offering a vast array of trails that wind through its dense woods and alongside the beautiful Kielder Water. The area is perfect for families who want to explore nature while enjoying a bit of space.
- Recommended Trail: The Kielder Water and Forest Park Trail is a circular walk that offers an easy route through the forest, with stunning views over the water. The path is wide and accessible, making it ideal for both children and pets.
- Highlights: The stunning Kielder Water, towering trees, and plenty of space for kids to play and pets to explore.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with plenty of options for shorter or longer routes.
4. Grizedale Forest, Lake District
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest offers a combination of woodland walks, sculpture trails, and fantastic views. It’s a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy a day in nature, with easy trails that suit kids and pets alike.
- Recommended Trail: The Grizedale Forest Sculpture Trail is a family-friendly, flat route that takes you through the forest while passing various sculptures along the way. It’s an engaging experience for children and offers lots of open spaces for pets to roam.
- Highlights: Sculptures hidden in the woods, the Tarn Hows viewpoint, and the possibility of encountering deer and other wildlife.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a variety of shorter loops available.
5. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The Forest of Dean is one of the oldest forests in England and offers a wide range of trails suitable for families with young children and pets. With a mix of open spaces, ancient trees, and scenic views, it’s an ideal destination for a family outing.
- Recommended Trail: The Mallards Pike Lake Trail is an easy, flat trail that goes around a beautiful lake, with ample opportunities to spot wildlife. The path is wide, making it great for both children and dogs, and there’s plenty of space for a picnic by the water.
- Highlights: A scenic lake, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly facilities like a café and play area.
- Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages.
6. Loch Ard Forest, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Loch Ard Forest is located within the stunning Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland. The forest offers an array of peaceful trails surrounded by towering trees and the tranquility of the loch, making it a great spot for families looking for an outdoor adventure.
- Recommended Trail: The Loch Ard Trail is a circular route that takes you around the loch, through scenic woodlands and along the water’s edge. It’s an easy walk with breathtaking views, perfect for both kids and pets.
- Highlights: The sparkling waters of Loch Ard, majestic trees, and the peaceful atmosphere.
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for families and pets.
7. Thetford Forest, Suffolk
Thetford Forest is the largest lowland forest in the UK and offers an extensive network of trails. The forest is well-suited for families, with a variety of trails that are both scenic and accessible for kids and pets.
- Recommended Trail: The High Lodge Visitor Centre Trail is a short, circular route that explores the heart of Thetford Forest. It’s flat and wide, making it easy for children and dogs to navigate.
- Highlights: The forest’s tranquility, wildlife spotting, and various outdoor play areas for children.
- Difficulty: Easy, ideal for families.
8. Epping Forest, Essex
Epping Forest, located on the outskirts of London, is a vast area of ancient woodland that provides plenty of scenic walking opportunities for families and pets. The forest is easily accessible, making it perfect for a day trip.
- Recommended Trail: The Epping Forest Circular Walk is a moderate, family-friendly trail that weaves through the forest, passing picturesque ponds and meadows. It’s a great option for those looking for a relatively short hike.
- Highlights: Ancient oak trees, woodland ponds, and various picnic spots.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for families and pets.
9. The Cairngorms, Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vast forests. It offers a variety of hiking trails that are perfect for adventurous families and pet owners.
- Recommended Trail: The Loch an Eilein Trail is a beautiful circular walk that takes you through pine forests and along the shores of Loch an Eilein. It’s a fairly easy route, making it ideal for kids and pets to explore.
- Highlights: Stunning views of the loch, dense pine forests, and the chance to see local wildlife such as red squirrels and deer.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some uneven terrain.
10. Brecon Beacons, Wales
Brecon Beacons National Park offers a combination of rugged mountain trails and tranquil woodland walks. It’s a great destination for families looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, with many trails suitable for pets.
- Recommended Trail: The Cwm Llwch and Waterfall Trail is a circular walk that takes you through a beautiful forested valley, past stunning waterfalls. It’s an easy-to-moderate trail with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery.
- Highlights: Waterfalls, dramatic mountain scenery, and diverse wildlife.
- Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for families and pets with some uneven terrain.
Conclusion
The UK offers a wide range of forest trails that are perfect for hiking with kids and pets. From the tranquil woodlands of the New Forest to the rugged landscapes of the Cairngorms, there is a trail for every family. These forests provide not only a chance to explore nature but also to create lasting memories with your loved ones and furry companions. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more adventurous hike, the UK’s forests are sure to offer an unforgettable experience for all ages.
