Dalby Forest

Dalby the Great Yorkshire Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors and offers over 8,000 acres of woodland to explore and enjoy, including play areas for children, barbecues for the family and plenty of waymarked cycling and walking trails for all abilities.

Dark Skies

The sky above the Dalby Observatories is now recognised as one of the best places to enjoy the night sky in the country. Declared a Dark Sky Discovery Site on BBC Two's Stargazing LIVE in January 2013, the Dalby Observatory Site has Milky Way Status. You can find out more from the Dark Sky Discovery website and Scarborough & Ryedale Astronomical Society.

Cycling

Visitors wanting to burn off some energy can hire bikes and use the 55 miles of cycle trails to explore the forest. There's a range of cycle trails from family friendly to highly technical demanding routes. For the more extreme cyclists, head to the cycle skills area at Dixon's Hollow and the UCI World Cup course which is available for those who fancy a challenge.

Dalby Forest Cycle Hub offers bikes hire at Low Dalby near the Visitor Centre, while nearby in Thornton le Dale, Dalby Bike Barn is a one-stop-shop for all your bike related needs, whether it's for bike hire, servicing, a friendly local bike shop, coaching or courses.

Walking

For a gentle and relaxing stroll within the forest you can use any of the waymarked trails. These start from several of the car parks and vary in length, so there's something for everyone. A number of paths are all ability, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are plenty of picnic tables that can also accommodate wheelchairs. Guide maps for the waymarked trails can be purchased from the Visitor Centre.

Events

Dalby Forest has a wide range of special events throughout the year, including Forest Live music concerts, guided walks and children's holiday activities, plus wildlife and nature events. For further information go to the events page.

Access to the forest is via Pickering on the A169 Pickering to Whitby road. Look out for the brown tourist signs.

Accessibility

16 extra-wide parking bays for disabled visitors are located in the main car park approximately 200 metres from the Courtyard complex or Visitor Centre. Car park and path to Visitor Centre are tarmac and gravel.

All ability waymarked walks suitable for wheelchairs are available at set points throughout the forest.

Free electric buggy hire available from the Visitor Centre. The Centre has internal and external disabled toilet facilities, lift, automatic doors and mini-loop system.

View Larger Map

Join the conversation

Share your pictures and comments with us – we’d love to hear from you.

North York Moors