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Dalby Forest


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.2/5)

About Dalby Forest

Update 9th February 2010: There has been more snow in the forest. Walking trails are open, however, please take extra care as the surface in places is icy and slushy and could freeze depending on weather conditions.  The cycle trails are open but there is likely to be ice and snow on the trails. Please follow the diversions in place and report any trail problems to the Visitor Centre with location details. Dixon's Hollow bike park remains closed due to ice on the track.  The forest drive is now open and passable with care, please drive to the conditions. For further information call the Visitor Centre on 01751 460295 before you set off.  Thank you for your patience at this time.

Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park.

The southern part of the forest is divided by a number of valleys creating a 'Rigg and Dale' landscape whilst to the north the forest sits on the upland plateau.

Although comprising mostly pines and spruces there are many broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, ash, alder and hazel both in the valleys and on the 'Riggs'.

Clear streams arising in springs run north and south out of the forest. A lake has been created at Staindale.

The forest is a home for birds such as the crossbill and that elusive summer visitor the nightjar. Roe deer abound and badgers, the symbol of the forest, are a very common but nocturnal resident.

The signs of past settlers are all around. Burial mounds, linear earthworks of unknown purpose and the remains of a flourishing rabbit warrening industry can be found throughout the wood.

A network of forest roads including the 9 mile Dalby Forest Drive provide access to this outstanding landscape. Formed in the Ice Age and shaped by the people from the Bronze Age to the present day, Dalby is very much a forest worth visiting.

 Langdale Quest and other subsidiary operations (Wild Encounter II, Club Xtreme, etc.) are no longer permitted to use Forestry Commission land. Under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 your vehicle may be seized and destroyed if you use unauthorised routes on Forestry Commission land or Public Rights of Way without vehicular access rights. If you have paid for services from Langdale Quest or other of their subsidiary operations please contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06.

How to get there:

Thornton-Le-Dale is the nearest town or village.

Access is via Pickering on the A169 Pickering to Whitby road. Look out for the brown tourist signs. Our postcode is YO18 7LT for GPS systems, please note that access is via Pexton or Bickley only. Access is also possible from the north of Scarborough via minor roads through Hackness and Langdale End.

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Have you got space in your car or need a lift? Check these websites, www.carshareyork.com, www.hullcarshare.com and www.isanyonegoingto.com.

OS Grid Reference: SE855878
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Start your visit from:

Dalby Courtyard
Bickley Gate
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre Tree Tops Restaurant
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre Education & Meeting Room
Dalby Project
Haygate
Dixon's Hollow
Crosscliff
Adderstone Field
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Shop

What's on in Dalby Forest

February

March

  • Star Watching
    Friday 5 February 2010
    Friday 5 March 2010
    Friday 2 April 2010
    Friday 7 May 2010
    Friday 3 September 2010
    Friday 1 October 2010
    Friday 5 November 2010
  • Let's go fly a kite
    Sunday 14 March 2010
  • Bushcraft for Adults
    Saturday 20 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010
    Saturday 15 May 2010 to Sunday 16 May 2010
    Saturday 18 September 2010 to Sunday 19 September 2010

April

View all events
STAINDALE LAKE ALL ABILITY TRAIL

Facilities:

ParkingEasy AccessToiletsRefreshmentsOther FacilitiesInformationVisitor CentreForest Shop

Activities:

CyclingPicnicView PointWalkingHeritageForest DriveWildlife ActivitiesOrienteeringBarbecuePlay AreaEducational

Contact:

Recreation Manager

01751 472771
e-mail: nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: Ben (5 Stars)
7/Feb/2010
"Be nice & people are usually nice back. Confront & you make enemies." well said Steve, i totally agree. Also just to add the mtb trails are amazing allround fun and enjoyment to those both experienced and whom are just starting out. highly recomended.

Name: MTB Guisborough (4 Stars)
1/Feb/2010
The red route is a top trail to spend the day on the bike. 23 miles of flowing single track. Excellent facilities. www.mtbguisborough.ning.com highly recommends this fantastic forest trail center.

Name: Aaron (5 Stars)
29/Jan/2010
Great selection of trails for mountain biking.
Cation is required in some areas though, walkers seem to think the bike trails are valid walking path's and treat them as so.

More user comments

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