Things to do in Yorkshire and The Humber

 

Walking

There are a number of waymarked walks through beautiful landscapes varying in length and ability.

If you are confident with a map and prefer to find your own route the Forestry Commission freehold estate is dedicated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and therefore is open to access on foot at anytime.

Cycling

There are waymarked trails in Dalby, Guisborough & Stainburn forests only.  Waymarked cycle routes are graded from green (easy) to black (severe).  There is also a downhill and a cycle skills area.  Purple Mountain Bike Centre provides bike hire, maitenance and a bike wash in Dalby Forest.

Horse Riding

Horse riders are welcome to ride in Forestry Commission freehold woodlands on forest roads and bridleways. For information on permits in North Yorkshire please contact North York Moors Forest District on 01751 472771 (permits free of charge). No permits are required in South Yorkshire FC woodlands.

Orienteering

Orienteering is a fun sport involving map reading to navigate between marked posts over varying terrain. It can be done as a family, group or as a more serious sport.

North Yorkshire - There are courses in Dalby & Silton Forests and Guisborough & Coatham Woods. Maps are available from the Forest District Office in Pickering although Dalby maps are also available from Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.

South Yorkshire - There are currently courses at Brodsworth, Bentley and Kiveton Community Woodlands. Maps are available on request.

Dog Walkers

Dogs and their owners are welcome to walk in Forestry Commission woods.  Find out more in our Walkies in the woods page.

Dog walkers have the freedom to roam throughout the forest with the only exception being play areas for children. All that exercise will not only lead to one thirsty owner but also a thirsty dog. At the visitor centres in Dalby and Guisborough dog watering points provide welcome relief.

Please note that forests are unlike town parks and we do not provide dog bins at the majority of our sites. We ask visiting dog walkers to help keep the forest path network and picnic sites free of dog mess by either bagging the waste and taking it home with you, or by flicking the poo off the path into the undergrowth.

Go Ape

Go Ape can be found at Dalby Forest.

Astronomy

Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society operate the astronomical observatories outside Dalby Forest Visitor Centre. They run public viewing nights throught the year (excluding June, July and August).