Forest Walks: Discover the Magic of Britain's Ancient Woodlands

There is something almost magical about entering a forest. The noise of modern life fades, the air becomes cooler and scented with leaves and earth, and every bend in the path promises another discovery. Whether you're searching for wildlife, ancient trees, colourful autumn leaves or simply a place to escape for a few hours, Britain's forests offer some of the country's most rewarding walking experiences. This walk reminded me just how restorative a day beneath the trees can be.

“If we sing of the woods, let them be woods of consular dignity,” wrote the poet Virgil in ancient times. 

I’ll you what I think has very little dignity at present - and that is the Government’s latest round of advice for the lockdown. Much of it is confusing and doesn’t make sense. I can foresee a mass migration to the countryside if the weather holds and the sun gets warmer - and we do not have the logistics in place for all manner of things. Pubs and restaurants are closed, village shops have limited supplies… Even all the public toilets across the national park here are shut for the duration.

Visitors need facilities, and the countryside is very short of them at the moment. Anyway, to get back to Virgil and his woods… Being in forests is good for you - good for the soul and for mental health - so I thought I’d repeat an article I wrote on the subject last year….

I’ve never really understood what Virgil meant, but this region’s woodlands retain wondrous amounts dignity, consular or otherwise. Which is one reason I like walking in them so much. 

Trees are good friends to mankind in all manner of ways. We can make things out of their wood and they provide a fabulous habitat for all manner of plants and creatures. They also act as a valuable carbon sink in these times when humankind seems so hell bent on wrecking the planet with our love of cars, consumerism, convenience and easy indoor living. 

But these things come at a price - and I’m not just talking about the planet’s atmosphere. Humans were not really designed to live in the modern rat race or in vast cities made of concrete - and trees, or forests, offer a kind of gentle salve or cure. 

If you enjoy this post click here to find some of our Forest Walks in the South West

Why Forest Walks Are Good for Mind and Body

Research studies carried out in many countries over the past decade have show that when people walk or spend time in forests, they relax, calm down and generally chill out - all of which can conjure better health. Some countries like South Korea are now planting large forests in and around large cities to afford their hard working populations a natural way to tune their ravaged souls and feel better about life. 

Discovering Ancient Woodland

Here in the West Country we have a great many forests, copses and woodlands. And we have the excellent Forestry England which owns and manages large tracts of land across the peninsula. And the good news about the FC is that it has changed the way it plants trees down the years - no longer do they cover massive acreages with big black forests of endless, lifeless, conifers. Carefully selected mixed planting which incorporates many indigenous species is more the order of the day - which makes such forests far more pleasant to walk in. 

Also the Forestry England welcomes walkers to stroll its many tracks and rides unless, of course, large scale clearance operations are underway - which they happen to be in several of my favourite forests at the moment. 

The other things about forests and woodlands is that they can offer wonderful shelter belts for walkers to enjoy at this time of year when midwinter storms are raging through. 

I can remember one day in particular a few years ago when I was intending to do a walk on Dartmoor and the wind and rain were so savage my car was swaying from side to side as I drove past lonely Warren Inn. A few miles later I pulled into Bellever Forest and enjoyed an hour-long hike in the most gentle of conditions. I could hear the gale booming in the distant outer trees, but where I was in the heart of the forest you could have dropped a feather and it would have landed at your feet.  

Walking is an important form of exercise for those of us who do not play regular sport or go to the gym - which is why its a good idea to keep putting one foot in front of another even in winter. A recent Natural England survey found that a massive 57 per cent of people said a walk or a ramble was the main activity enjoyed on any kind of outdoor leisure visit they made.

“It’s been shown that the great outdoors is the best motivator to keep people walking and active,” said a Natural England spokesman. “It’s also the easiest form of exercise to make part of your daily routine and the significant effect it can have on reducing or coping with stress really can make a difference to peoples’ lives.”

Exercising outside can improve concentration for several hours afterwards and makes you more resilient to stress or helps cope with stress. Walking protects our joints from wear and tear thanks to muscle build-up - and it improves your immune system for up to 24 hours after a walk which can help prevent you from catching a cold.

If you walk for 30 minutes a day you can burn off 2,000 calories a week (the equivalent of six Mars bars) or 150 calories per mile. That may not seem like a lot but walking and keeping fit also increases your metabolism, so it’s good for you even when you’re not doing it.

As I’ve mentioned above, research shows that our stress levels fall within minutes of contact with nature – good for body and mind

And walking crosses all generations so everyone can get involved. Research has shown that if children haven’t had the opportunity to be in the natural environmental on their own before the age of 11, they’re unlikely to use the great outdoors in later life and therefore benefit from the stress relieving qualities the outdoors can bring.

So - taking this dual theme of walking and forests - I put together a list of some of the best woodland hikes in the South West. If there is an interest, I will put the full list on another Lockdown day. I’m not claiming that every step of every walk will be surrounded by trees - some are but others will include copses, woods or forests along the way. 

FAQ Section

Why are forest walks so relaxing?

Woodland environments reduce noise, provide shade and immerse walkers in nature. Many people find that walking among trees helps reduce stress while improving wellbeing.

What should I take on a forest walk?

Wear sturdy footwear, carry waterproof clothing, water, a map or GPS, and binoculars if you enjoy wildlife watching.

When is the best time to visit a forest?

Every season offers something different. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers cool shade, autumn is famous for colourful foliage and winter reveals woodland structure and far-reaching views.

Are forest walks suitable for families?

Many forests have waymarked trails suitable for all ages, with shorter routes, picnic areas and opportunities to spot birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

What wildlife might I see on a forest walk?

Depending on the location, you may see deer, foxes, squirrels, woodpeckers, owls, butterflies and a wide variety of woodland plants and fungi.