**The Most Beautiful Fairytale UK Forest Walks to Enjoy in Autumn and Winter**
When the colourful leaves are falling from the trees and a crisp chill fills the air, autumn and winter become some of the most stunning times to venture into the great outdoors. Forest walks provide a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the past year and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The UK and Ireland boast numerous enchanting woodland walks that offer a magical outdoor experience.
**Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, England**
Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is a picturesque destination for a beautiful, family-friendly autumn walk. With 15,000 specimens and 2,500 tree species, the arboretum feels like stepping into a postcard with its sensational autumn colours. The trails are equally magnificent during the winter when Westonbirt transforms into a Christmas wonderland, making it a favourite among families.
**Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire, England**
Cannock Chase, located north of Birmingham in the West Midlands, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering diverse landscapes including ancient oak woodlands, pine forests, and heathland. Visitors can explore the stunning grounds on bike trails, making it a perfect place for family cycling and mountain biking. A hidden treasure, Cannock Chase is an ideal spot to reconnect with nature during the cooler months.
**Puck’s Glen – Cowal, Argyll, and Bute, Scotland**
Puck’s Glen is a deep woodland gorge in Scotland that exudes a magical charm reminiscent of fairy tales. The Victorian walkway alongside cascading waterfalls leads to a dramatic rocky gorge believed to be inhabited by playful spirits. This enchanting trail offers scenic vistas, towering trees, and abundant wildlife, providing an exciting adventure for visitors of all ages.
**Deerpark Forest – County Cavan, Ireland**
In County Cavan, Ireland, the Deerpark Forest offers a refreshing 5.3-km circular trail near Virginia, perfect for a leisurely stroll or dog walking. The forest features multiple loop trails to explore and scenic views near a lake, blending woodland and waterside scenery for a delightful outdoor experience.
**Tollymore Forest Park – County Down, Northern Ireland**
Tollymore Forest Park in Northern Ireland is a destination brimming with character, offering panoramic mountain and sea views, a diverse collection of exotic trees, and rocky outcrops along the Shimna River. With its mature conifer forest and unique landscape features, Tollymore Forest Park is a must-visit spot for a magical outdoor adventure.
**Fforest Fawr – Caerphilly, Wales**
Fforest Fawr near Castell Coch in Wales provides a fantastic day out for the whole family. The woodland offers three walking trails, including a sculpture trail suitable for families. Fforest Fawr has been a popular filming location for various productions, adding to its charm as a beautiful and versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
With these breathtaking forest walks across the UK and Ireland, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the natural beauty of autumn and winter while creating lasting memories in the great outdoors.