Your quick guide to Dalby Forest

Everything you need to know about Dalby Forest

• Dalby Forest offers 8,000 acres of woodland to explore
• 55 miles of cycle trails to ride
• 9-mile scenic drive with car parks, picnic places and BBQ sites
• Home to the Gruffalo trail and Go Ape!
• 13  walking routes suitable for all levels

To help you plan your visit we’ve created a quick guide, so grab yourself a Yorkshire brew and delve into our top picks of the area.

Walking routes at Dalby Forest

There are plenty of walking trails that cover the forest, offering a range of easy and moderate routes for all abilities. Stroll along the tranquil river on the Ellerburn trail, a safe and easy route ideal for people with mobility issues and families with young children, due to its flat and level terrain.

Follow the yellow brick trail… Dalby Beck offers a beautiful, circular walk with stretching views over Dalby Dale. This walk features moderate inclines across a span of 3.5 miles, a great option for a leisurely afternoon walk.

Fancy picking up the pace? Enjoy a range of running trails from 1km to 10km through this stunning forest. The marked trails make running through the forest easier than ever so pull up your socks, tie up your laces and get ready to win your own race through the forest.

With plenty of picnic tables along the way, make a day of it and spend time with your loved ones enjoying the benefits of being active outdoors.

Cycle routes at Dalby Forest

With 55 miles of natural cycle trails to ride and ramble your way through there is something for everyone from complete beginners to experienced mountain bikers.

Bike hire is available from the Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, or if you’re staying with us at Cropton or Keldy book your cycle hire with us at the Forest Retreat and enjoy exploring the forest on two wheels.

The Adderstone cycle trail is a leisurely family route offering a variety of lengths. Suitable for   beginners or novice cyclists, this 8 – 12-mile loop offers stunning backdrop views of the forest. 

The Jerry Noodle trail offers a rapid off-road experience, perfect for experienced mountain bikers. This red route trail takes in fantastic views of the forest across 7 miles.

If you’re looking to challenge yourself then opt for the Red route at Dalby Forest, a single-track trail spanning 21 miles, making it ideal for skilled riders looking to enjoy a thrill through the forest. Grab your helmet and get ready to see the forest from all angles.

Attractions at Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest hosts a wide range of events and attractions throughout the year. Pick up as many details as you need from the friendly Visitor Centre at Dalby Forest to find out what’s on. You can also enjoy food and refreshments before or after your adventures. The Visitor Centre includes 2 outdoor play areas and an amazing dry-stone wall maze. Get lost in the maze walls or leave your mark by purchasing a stone to add to the impressive collection, personalised with your initials. Every stone purchased supports the build of the maze.

Explore, discover, learn, and enjoy the dark skies! Perfect for the inner astronomers who adore star gazing up at the nights sky. Activities such as evening running, cycling, twilight walks, and night navigation are just a few that are hosted here. Bring along your torch and celebrate the dark skies. Pre-booking is advised for this popular annual event.

Activities at Dalby Forest

The Activity centre hosts a range of fun, outdoor activities from paintball, airsoft, archery, and tree climbing. Get involved and download the app to capture all creatures great and small that you find. If you prefer a bird’s eye view of the forest, then there is always Go Ape. 

Swing, jump and balance yourself as you stand tall between the trees. Uneasy with heights? Then fear not, there is still a unique way to navigate the forest floor, on your very own Segway.

For the little adventurers, have some family fun on the Gruffalo trail where you can follow the markers using your own orienteering map in the woods and go at your own pace to complete the trail together.

Accommodation near Dalby Forest

If you’re looking for a pet friendly Dalby Forest lodging our hot tub log cabins at Cropton and Keldy are both within a short distance. Stay in a cosy cabin situated in a sunlit, meadow or hidden  between the trees in peaceful woodland surroundings. Relax in your hot tub whilst deciding on the day’s adventures ahead at Dalby Forest!