The festival of winter walks!

If you are looking forward to getting out into the fresh air and enjoying a healthy walk this winter, join in with The Festival of Winter Walks, running from December to January. Organised by the Ramblers, the festival is a celebration of walking that's been going for over 25 years and covered over 30,000 miles so far.

Autumn is truly over and the forest floor is crunchy with the last of the golden leaves. Holly bushes are showing their berries and, if you are out early, the frost creates a beautiful sparkle across branches. Stay on a Forest Holiday and no matter which forest location you choose, we have plenty of routes – and local pubs – for you to try.

WALKS IN YORKSHIRE

The Yorkshire Moors are synonymous with beautiful walking experiences – so much so that there are a number of routes available to experienced ramblers and those looking for a gentler adventure. Of course, Yorkshire is also known for beer. Whether you are staying at Cropton or Keldy, you'll be close to a welcoming local pub, the perfect destination to end your walk.

If you've brought your dog on holiday with you, try the Blacksmith's Country Inn. A focal point for walkers on the moors, this inn has log fires and a selection of beers to enjoy, as well as being welcoming to dogs in the bar. Or head off to the New Inn and Cropton Brewery and taste some of their award winning local brews.

WALKS IN SHERWOOD FOREST

With 3,300 acres of forest to explore around Sherwood Forest, you'll get plenty of fresh air. Just a short distance from our cabins you'll find the Sherwood Pines Forest Park and Visitor Centre, with details of the various marked walks available. There's a number of local pubs and restaurants, including the bohemian themed Dog and Duck, to head for once you've built up an appetite. 

FOREST WALKS IN NORFOLK

If you plan to be a little more self-sufficient, head for the walks and trails of Thorpe Forest and nearby Thetford Forest. Teeming with wildlife, your cabin is situated close to the River Thet, providing scenic routes along the riverside. The forest is also recommended for dog lovers, so don't forget the family pet! After a long day spent getting closer to nature, why not treat yourself to a cosy night in and relax your tired muscles in your personal hot tub, with a glass of mulled wine.

WYE VALLEY WALKS 

Head out from your cabin at Forest of Dean, and just under 2 miles away you can climb up Symonds Yat Rock for some breath-taking views across the Wye Valley. There are a number of marked trails through the forest, giving you lots of choice for gentler or more energetic activities. End your ramble in the New Inn and relax in a traditional country pub with roaring log fires.

WALKS IN AND AROUND BLACKWOOD FOREST

There are so many local activities and walks near Blackwood Forest that you'll struggle to pick one to do each day. Do you explore Stonehenge and follow the guided walk around the famous stones, or discover the New Forest, just a short drive away? If you want to avoid the car completely, and why wouldn't you, then Blackwood Forest has everything you need. Beech trees tower high above as you discover the local flora and fauna and build up an appetite for some traditional pub grub. Luckily it's not far to The Northbrook Arms, a traditional village pub housing local, and regional, ales and delicious food.

WALKS IN AND AROUND DEERPARK

The tranquillity of Deerpark's forest location is perfect for anyone aiming to get closer to nature. The cabins rest on the edge of a peaceful millpond, deep in the forest itself. We recommend Walk4Life to locate the best routes, although, for a more relaxed pace, you will find everything you need in the immediate vicinity of the cabins or just 10 minutes away at Cardinham Woods. Cardinham also offers a delightful woodsman cottage café, where you can warm up with homemade stew or soup before heading back to relax in your luxury cabin.

WALKS IN SCOTLAND

Our lochside locations in Scotland offer some delightful alternatives if you want a little more open space. The cabins at Ardgartan Argyll are set beside Loch Long, on the edge of the Argyll Forest Park. There's plenty of options for walkers, with the more serious ramblers tackling the nearby hills and mountains, while others opt for a far gentler walk alongside the loch itself. Why not treat yourself to a well-deserved pint at the Village Inn at Arrochar – just 3 miles around the lochside.  

A walk along Loch Lubnaig in Strathyre may bring more than just fresh air. Queen Elizabeth Forest park is just teeming with wildlife, so don't forget your camera as you'll spot golden eagles, red squirrels, and red deer. These may also make an appearance beside your Strathyre cabin, along with our resident family of pine martens. It's the perfect place for you to pick up some amazing snaps of rare animals and birds, just make sure you stop in at The Lade Inn to share stories with the locals.

An invigorating ramble through forests and across meadows, around fields and along rivers and lochs is not just beautiful, it's great for your health. A thought which will make you feel better as you relax in the pub afterwards! And if you prefer to relax a little close to your cabin, why not drop into the Forest Retreat at the end of your walk, where you can have a welcome drink and a bite to eat before wandering back to your cabin. Get out into the fresh air this winter and join in The Festival of Winter Walks. How far can you go?

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