Isle of Wight
Get Lost in Nature: Best 7 Forest Walks on the Isle of Wight
Get Lost in Nature: Best 7 Forest Walks on the Isle of Wight
Parkhurst Forest, Isle of Wight, UK by Mypix under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The table above lists all the best forest walks on the Isle of Wight. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that walk.
Are you looking for a way to escape the concrete jungle and find some peace amongst natural beauty? Why not explore the forests on the gorgeous Isle of Wight on England's south coast? The picturesque island is only four hours from London, making it an excellent option for tourists and locals seeking a change of scenery from the everyday mainland cityscapes. Take in the fantastic views as you wander through ancient woodlands with towering trees, trickling streams, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it's to experience nature's wonders or have an adventure-filled day outdoors, the Isle of Wight offers something special that everyone can enjoy!
The Best 7 Isle of Wight Woodland Walks
In this blog post, we will be listing the many forest walks on the Isle of Wight.
See all the gorgeous island has to offer by exploring its natural beauty! Have a look below at the forest walks available on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each walk, to be taken to the Forestry England pages for further information on the forest trails.
Parkhurst Forest
Parkhurst Forest is a truly special natural habitat! Situated close to Newport, it has been standing for centuries and supports an array of rare species. From majestic red squirrels to elusive woodcocks, Parkhurst provides homes and habitats for many fascinating creatures - not to mention its open heath grasslands that provide stunning vistas all year round.
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Firestone Copse
Take a journey through Firestone Copse, the Isle of Wight’s exquisite forest! The wheelchair-accessible trail will give you marvellous year-round views of native and exotic tree species including English Oak and Ash, Douglas Cedar, Scots Pine - even soaring spires of Grand Fir. Discover nature's beauty with an unforgettable excursion to this captivating woodland paradise!
Brighstone Forest
With 247 acres of hilly ridges and gorgeous scenery, Brighstone Forest is the largest and most impressive woodland situated in the southwest corner of the island. A scenic area within the Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB), it lies not far from the tranquil town of Brighstone.
Combley Great Wood by Shaun Ferguson under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Combley Great Wood
Discover the beauty of Combley Great Wood, a 322-acre site located just 3 miles east of Newport! Home to Red squirrels and Bechstein’s Bats, this Ancient Woodland Local Nature Reserve is an ideal place to explore with the family while discovering nature in one of the Isle of Wight's most incredible spots.
Alverstone Mead
Experience nature's beauty at Alverstone Mead, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located on the east side of the island! Visitors can explore the area using the boardwalks and unsurfaced paths that wind through low-lying areas of the nature reserve. You can use the public bird hide to catch a glimpse of local and migrating bird species that overlook the water meadows below; red squirrels often feed there too and can be spotted with ease! In total this gorgeous landscape covers 28 hectares for you to explore!
Bouldnor Forest by Editor5807 under license CC BY 3.0
Bouldnor Forest
Discover a refuge of wildlife in the midst of Bouldnor Forest, an idyllic 38-hectare nature reserve on the island. With views over its Heritage Coast and The Solent to New Forest, this special Site Of Scientific Interest (SSSI) is enclosed by the Isle of Wight's spectacular Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can explore diverse habitats such as pine forests, heathland cliffs, and seagrass beds - each full of abundant opportunities for up-close encounters with native creatures!
Alan Hersey Nature Reserve
Visitors to the Alan Hersey Nature Reserve can explore 20 acres of bountiful nature. The reserve is named after a former councillor who shared an affinity for this beautiful area and its history. Home to several species of wading birds such as wildfowl, the most popular spot in the reserve is easily accessible via various footpaths – visit their bird hide where you'll be able to observe these captivating creatures up close!
Conclusion
We write lots of blog posts from each area of free activities to do. Have a look at our blog posts from the island of the Isle of Wight by clicking the links below:
Free Things to do on the Isle of Wight
Cycling Routes on the Isle of Wight
Please note...
All outdoor activities including forest walks involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the well known features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (24/02/23) licensed under the Open Government License.