Top 20 Under-5 km Forest Hikes for Beginners in the UK
Top 20 Under-5 km Forest Hikes for Beginners in the UK
Short, scenic forest hikes across the UK — perfect for beginners, families and pram-friendly trails. Distances, maps and tips for your under-5 km escape.
Intro — Come on, let’s wander gently among the trees.
If you’re new to hiking, you don’t need long routes or heavy boots to feel the calm of a forest. These 20 short loops and family trails are all beginner-friendly (most are waymarked, many are buggy/pram friendly or perfect for kids) and all are about 5 km or less — ideal for a cosy morning or a slow golden-hour stroll. I’ve pulled trusted trail pages and Forestry England guides to pick routes that are safe, scenic and short.
Quick table of Top 20 Under-5 km Forest Hikes for Beginners
| No. | Trail name | Forest / Park | Approx. distance | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oak Trail | Epping Forest | ~3 km | Easy | Tube + forest peace. |
| 2 | Willow Circular | Epping Forest | ~3–4 km | Easy | Lakes & deer watching. |
| 3 | Beech Trail | Epping Forest | ~4 km | Easy | Autumn colours. |
| 4 | Nissen Hut (accessible loop) | Dalby Forest | ~1 km | Very easy / accessible | Short explore, great for families. ( |
| 5 | Ellerburn / 5km running route | Dalby Forest | ~5 km | Easy | Countryside views, parkrun used this. |
| 6 | Ranger’s Trail | Sherwood Pines | ~2.5–3 km | Easy | Waymarked family trail. |
| 7 | Major Oak Trail | Sherwood Forest | ~2–3 km | Easy | Iconic ancient oak. |
| 8 | Sculpture Trail | Grizedale Forest | ~3 km | Easy | Art in the trees. |
| 9 | Heritage Trail | Thetford Forest | ~2–4 km | Easy | Smooth paths, history boards. |
| 10 | Friends Clump Loop | Ashdown Forest | ~2.7 km | Easy | Honeyed heather & Pooh vibes. |
| 11 | Lookout / Zog Trail | Moors Valley | ~1–2 km | Very easy | Pram friendly, play trail. |
| 12 | Hurn Forest short loop | New Forest area / Hurn | ~1.5 km | Very easy | Smooth underfoot trail. |
| 13 | Whinlatter Gruffalo / Sculpture route | Whinlatter Forest | ~1.6 km | Easy | Great for kids (sculptures). |
| 14 | Bedgebury short loops | Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest | ~1.6–2.7 km | Easy | Arboretum strolls & conifers. |
| 15 | Moors Valley Play / Park Trail | Moors Valley | ~1.2–2.3 km | Very easy | Lakeside, play-trail stops. |
| 16 | Cannock Chase family trail | Cannock Chase | ~2–3 km | Easy | Wide tracks, easy navigation. |
| 17 | Bedgebury Pinetum short loop | Bedgebury (separate) | ~2 km | Easy | Flat, good for photos. |
| 18 | Grizedale Tarn short loop | Grizedale Forest | ~2–4 km | Easy | Tarns and sculptures. |
| 19 | Sherwood Greenwood Trail | Sherwood Forest | ~2–4 km | Easy | Seasonal highlights & birdlife. |
| 20 | Local community woods / Forest Centre loops | (Many Forestry England sites e.g., Fineshade, Salcey) | ~1–3 km | Very easy | Reliable facilities + café. |
Notes: Distances are approximate and rounded for beginner planning. Always check the site’s visitor pages or waymarked leaflets before you go. I linked Forestry England and official guides above for the most reliable route descriptions.
Why these make perfect beginner hikes
- Short & forgiving paths — Most are under 5 km and waymarked, so you won’t get lost.
- Facilities nearby — Many start from visitor centres with toilets and cafés (great for a warm drink after).
- Family friendly — pram routes, sculpture trails and Gruffalo-style markers make it playful.
“A short walk in a forest is like a small poem — you finish, feel lighter, and smile without knowing why.”
Sample morning plan (3 km trail)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Arrive, short coffee at visitor centre |
| 09:15 | Follow waymarked loop (easy pace) |
| 10:00 | Pause at viewpoint / pond |
| 10:20 | Return, warm up with a drink |
Accessibility quick picks
- Nissen Hut (Dalby) — accessible short route. (Home | Forestry England)
- Moors Valley Lookout Trail — buggy friendly ~1.2 miles. (Home | Forestry England)
Practical mini-guide (Quick tips)
What to wear: Comfortable trainers on dry days, waterproof shoes if muddy. A light waterproof and layers are your friend.
What to bring: Water, a small snack, phone + offline map, tissues. That’s it — nothing heavy.
Safety: Tell someone your start point and expected time back (even short routes). Most forests have good phone signal near visitor centres.
Best seasons: Spring for bluebells, autumn for the showiest colours, winter for quiet & crisp air.
Short FAQs
Q: Are these trails suitable for absolute beginners?
A: Yes — every trail listed is beginner-friendly, mostly waymarked and under 5 km. Check the trail page if you need pushchair or wheelchair accessibility.
Q: Do I need a map or guide?
A: A map or the forest’s leaflet is helpful. For most short loops you can follow waymarkers, but download the visitor map first.
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Most forests welcome dogs but rules vary (some areas require leads). Check the site’s rules before visiting.
Q: Can I do these year-round?
A: Yes — but paths become muddy in wet months. Wear waterproof footwear in winter and watch for leaf-cover hiding roots.
