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Dalby Forest

(Average user rating5 unrated 4.2/5)
 

FOREST CLOSED DUE TO SNOW. Sorry for any inconvenience. updated 6/2/12.

ROAD ACCESS IS POSSIBLE UP TO THE VISITOR CENTRE BUT ALL MOUNTAIN BIKE AND WALKING TRAILS ARE CLOSED.

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.

Go Ape! and take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set up to 120 feet above the forest floor.

Go Ape! Forest Segway. For the ultimate forest experience on a rugged all-terrain Segway. It's a totally unique way to tackle the trails in the forest.

 

 

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.

The Moors Bus operates a service through the forest between Easter and October. Other service buses are available in Thornton Le Dale to major towns and cities. A walking route is available from Thornton Dale into the forest via Ellerburn.

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
Dalby Forest Christmas Tree Sales
Low and High Staindale

What's on in Dalby Forest

February

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User Comments

5 Stars 5 Stars

Wonderful. Very well marked walks through beautiful, well maintained woodland tracks.

karenb, 20/Jan/2012
5 Stars 5 Stars

We love Dalby and spend a lot of time here during spring/summer months mountainbiking, walking, picnics. One of the most beautiful places we've ever been to.

Sarah, 11/Jan/2012

We are looking for a venue for a civil ceremony wedding & we love Dalby forest. I have heard you have a licence, can you send more details? Many thanks

Joanne, 25/Oct/2011
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