3 Short Woodland Walks in York: Perfect for a Quick Nature Escape

I recently had the pleasure of exploring some of the most beautiful woodlands in York.

From the tranquil atmosphere to the stunning scenery, these woodland walks were a breath of fresh air and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

I’ll be sharing my experience of visiting three of the best woodland walks in York and what makes them so special.

Exploring York’s Woodland Trails

I love exploring York’s woodland trails and escaping form life in the city.

So, here’s my top three picks for short walks that are perfect for a weekend afternoon.

1. St. Nick’s Nature Reserve

• Address: Rawdon Ave, York YO10 3FW
• Opening Times: 24/7. The nature reserve is open all year round

St. Nick’s Nature Reserve is more than just a place to visit in my eyes it’s a community.

What makes this woodland walk so special to me is that it’s maintained by volunteers who work tirelessly to keep it clean and tidy.

There dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the reserve is what sets it apart from other woodland walks in York.

I love that St. Nick’s Nature Reserve has its own YouTube channel, which offers a range of activities for families to enjoy. These videos are a great way to keep the kids entertained while also learning about nature and the environment.

For me, the highlight of the woodland walk is the combination of history and nature. Stones can be found within the grounds off cuts from the early creation of the York Walls which the reserve calls “Dragon Stones”.

2. Moorland Nature Reserve

• Address: 2RE, Moor Ln, York
• Opening Times: 24/7, All year round

This charming woodland garden from the Edwardian era is situated within the historic Forest of Galtres, only a quick 5-minute drive away from Haxby village in York.

It’s a perfect spot for children to have fun and learn at the same time, with plenty of space to run around and explore.

I find this walk particularly enjoyable in the morning when the surroundings are peaceful, and the sounds of nature and the rustling of leaves in the trees can be heard.

It also offers benches where one can sit and appreciate the scenery, as well as a small pond where wildlife can be observed.

Unfortunately, this garden is not dog-friendly, and there is no designated parking area available. Visitors must park their vehicles on the roadside.

Here you can read more about my Moorland Nature Reserve York visit.

3. Askham Bog

• Address: Just off the A1036, York, YO23 2UB
• Opening Times: Open 24/7. All year round

Askham Bog is a truly remarkable woodland walk in York.

It’s a survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire and occupies the site of an ancient lake, left behind by a retreating glacier 15,000 years ago.

I find this place fascinating, and visitors can learn about its intriguing past while also witnessing its diverse wildlife.

What makes Askham Bog so special to me is that it’s unlike any other nature reserve I’ve visited in York.

It has wooden pathways allow visitors to access the whole trail in all conditions, making it accessible to everyone.

The pathways also provide a unique perspective on the bog, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the bogs and observe the diverse flora and fauna that call it home.

Although the wooden pathways make it easy to navigate the bog, I still recommend packing your wellies just in case.

Are These Walks Free?

Yes. St Nick’s Nature Reserve, Moorland Nature Reserve and Askham Woods is all free to enter.

Do They Have Parking?

St Nick’s Nature Reserve has its own car park which is free to park in. Please note the car park is not secured and vehicles are parked here at there owner’s risk.

Hagg Woods and Moorlands Nature Reserve don’t have there own car parks but there is plenty of space to park roadside.