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.