Blackwood Forest
Micheldever
Children will enjoy the play area and trim trail on this walk.
The woodland is filled with bluebells in spring
The Basics
Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Terrain: Firm and flat woodland paths.
Pushchair: The paths are suitable for pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk.
Refreshments: The Retreat serving everything from takeaway snacks to full meals. There are also picnic tables on the meadow.
Toilets: Toilets are available at The Retreat.
Public Transport: There is no public transport to this location.
Parking: Follow the Forest Holiday signs from Larkwhistle Farm Road and go down the gravelled track. There is parking for local residents near the start of the track (Postcode: SO21 3BG - W3W: ///idea.revamped.flex)
There is a small play area next to the cafe
The tall beech trees of Blackwood Forest provide the ideal habitat for spring bluebells. Forest Holidays manage a collection of log cabins here, but you do not need to be on one of their breaks to be able to enjoy some of the facilities such as the cafe and play area.
The Route
Leave the car park by walking down the path beyond the information board/poo bin. At the first junction, turn left. When you reach a cross path just after a large stone, continue straight on. At the next cross path, bear left on what is the best surfaced of the three options.
Just before a brown wooden post with an eroded top and black graffiti on it, turn right off the main path into the woodland. This short section of path has the worst surface of the whole walk and can be muddy in the winter making it tricky for pushchairs. However, it is not long until you reach a staggered cross path. To the left is a sign that says, ‘Forest Trim Trail’. Go straight across and join a better surfaced path on the other side.
At The Old Yew Tree (opposite a piece of trim trail apparatus), turn left. Ignore another left turn and continue up to the low brown sign that faces the other direction. Turn left at the junction after this.
At the end of the path, enter the meadow in a large clearing straight ahead. Cross the meadow to the opposite side and you will find the café and play area.
Pass the café to your right and cross the little car park. Turn left, following the sign that says ‘cabins 1-21 and exit’. Continue to the first junction, where you should bear left and go around the barrier. Take the first turning on your right off the surfaced path onto a woodland path.
At the junction at the end, turn right following the orange post. Soon curve to the right with the better surfaced path. Go straight at the first cross path after ‘the yellow submarine’ and then take the next right. Follow this path back to the car park.
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Did you know?
The trails at Blackwood Forest are also brilliant for bike riding being well surfaced and virtually all flat.
If you liked this walk…
…try this one at Micheldever Wood which is another woodland in the area famous for its bluebells.
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