NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS - 1 HOUR FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Dalby Forest
Three thousand acres of managed forest on the southern edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, with world-class mountain biking, walking trails, a treetop adventure course and red squirrels. A genuine full-day destination, particularly good for families.
Visit information
- Location
- Low Dalby, Pickering, YO18 7LT
- From Pateley Bridge
- Approx 1 hour via Harrogate and A170
- Entry
- Pay and display car parks at the visitor centre. Forest entry free.
- Open
- Forest open all year. Visitor centre and cafe have seasonal hours.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome throughout the forest on leads and off lead in designated areas
- Website
- www.forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
What to do
Mountain biking
Dalby Forest is one of the finest mountain bike destinations in England with a purpose-built trail centre. Trails range from gentle green routes suitable for beginners and children to black-grade technical single track. Bike hire is available at the visitor centre.
Walking trails
Seven waymarked walking trails ranging from a 1-mile forest stroll to a 9-mile route taking in the best of the forest landscape. All trails start from the visitor centre. The forest roads are quiet and well-surfaced, making them suitable for pushchairs on the gentler routes.
Go Ape treetop adventure
A fully equipped treetop adventure course through the forest canopy, with zip wires and rope bridges. Suitable for a range of ages and abilities. Pre-booking essential - see goape.co.uk for details and prices.
The visitor centre
A good cafe, a gift shop with outdoor equipment and local products, and a play area for younger children. The centre also has information about the forest history and wildlife. A useful base for the day.
Wildlife and nature
Dalby is home to red squirrels - one of the few places in England where they survive in significant numbers. The forest also has roe deer, woodpeckers and a range of butterfly species on the sunny clearings and rides. Red squirrel viewing areas are marked on the trail maps.
Cycle road
A toll road through the forest is closed to through traffic and perfect for cycling with young children or for a relaxed family bike ride. The road passes through varied forest scenery and includes picnic areas and viewpoints.
THE FOREST THROUGH THE YEAR
Spring and summer
The busiest seasons, particularly at weekends. Arrive early to get parking near the visitor centre. The forest is beautiful in full leaf and the mountain bike trails are at their best in dry summer conditions.
Autumn
The larches turn gold through October, making this one of the most photogenic times to walk or cycle in the forest. Quieter than summer and the light through the trees is exceptional on clear days.
Winter
The forest is open all year and genuinely beautiful in winter. After snow it is particularly special. The mountain bike trails are wetter but the walking is still good. The cafe is open at weekends.
Red squirrel spotting
Red squirrels are most active in early morning and in autumn when they are gathering food. The marked red squirrel viewing areas give the best chance of a sighting, though they are never guaranteed.
Plan your visit
An hour from Pateley Bridge via Harrogate and the A170 towards Pickering. Dalby is well signed from Pickering. Allow a full day - there is enough to do that half a day feels rushed. Combine with Pickering or Helmsley for a longer day in the North Yorkshire Moors area.