Lose yourself in the leafy canopy of Boltby Forest to get off the tourist trail and discover part of North Yorkshire known only by locals. Tucked away in a quiet corner of God’s Own County on the outskirts of the North York Moors National Park, Boltby Forest is a dog walker’s dream.
- Children Welcome
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
Managed by the Woodland Trust, Boltby Forest is a mainly coniferous woodland, providing some much needed Vitamin Green at any time of year. Visit in summer for a shady stroll through the pines: once you get away from the car park, you’ll see no one but the occasional local dog walker or a mountain biker whizzing along one of the well surfaced trails.
Chattering bird song dominates these woods in spring and summer, and it’s easy to see why forest bathing is becoming increasingly popular – why not give it a try? In winter, the trees provide some welcome respite from the worst of the elements, but watch out for falling branches in the windiest of weather.
You can make your walk as long or as short as you like. Wander around the labyrinthine web of trails for an hour or two, or plot a longer route for a full day outing. Our favourite walk is to start in the car park at Boltby Forest and amble across to the tea room at High Paradise Farm (accessible only on foot) for a well deserved slice of cake – you’ve earned it! Or, if you’re feeling really energetic, why not pick up the Cleveland Way and go as far as Silton Forest or Sutton Bank?
For The Dogs
All dog owners love a good woodland walk and Boltby Forest is no exception. There’s nowhere quite like the woods for zoomies through the undergrowth and searching out the best sniffs. It’s also a great place to let your dog off the lead, with no sheep lurking around corners waiting to surprise you – just watch out for pheasants!
Opening Hours
There are no opening hours as such but daylight hours are recommended.
Parking
Use the free car park at Sneck Yate, Cleveland Road, Thirsk, YO7 2HP.
The Area
North Yorkshire is known for its windswept moors, bucolic dales and seaside towns. The county’s forests, often located on the edges and outskirts of the national parks, are frequently overlooked by visitors. We’d recommend Silton Forest, a little to the north of Boltby, or Yearsley Woods near Ampleforth. A popular walk with both visitors and locals is a circuit of Cod Beck Reservoir near Osmotherley. At only 1.5 miles it’s a great choice if you don’t have long for a walk, or it can be extended onto the moors or nearby Mount Grace Priory (dogs not allowed on the site itself).
For more walks, pubs and places to stay, see our guide to dog friendly Yorkshire.
