The best walks and hikes in Great Wood

There is a main car park managed by Forestry England located at the entrance to Great Wood, which also has toilets and picnic tables. This is the primary starting point for many trails. Some routes may also start from other nearby car parks in the Quantock Hills, such as Seven Wells or Triscombe Stone.

Yes, Great Wood is very suitable for families. There are several gentle, waymarked trails, including some that are accessible with a pushchair. For a specific easy route, consider the Wills Neck loop from Triscombe Stone — Quantock Hills, which is a pleasant walk of about 2 miles (3.2 km).

Great Wood is a popular destination for dog walkers. The extensive network of woodland paths and open spaces provides plenty of room for dogs to explore. It's recommended to keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife like deer, and to be mindful of other visitors, cyclists, and horse riders.

The trails wind through a diverse landscape. You'll experience paths through ancient oak woodlands and among some of England's tallest trees, the Douglas firs. The woods are interspersed with open grasslands and meadows. The small rivers of Cockercombe and Ramscombe also flow through the area, adding to the scenic beauty.

Great Wood can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blossoming flowers, while summer offers lush green canopy. Autumn is particularly stunning when the ancient oak woodlands display vibrant colours. Winter walks can be crisp and peaceful, though trails may be muddy after rain.

The main trails within the forest, such as the waymarked Red Walk, are generally well-maintained and easy to follow. However, the wider Quantock Hills area has a vast network of paths. Using a digital map or a GPS app like komoot is recommended to help navigate the numerous intersecting bridleways and footpaths.

Yes, while there are many easy trails, you can also find more strenuous hikes. For a longer, moderate challenge, the Bicknoller Combe & Somerton Combe loop from Dead Woman's Ditch — Quantock Hills is a great option. It's a 9.6-mile (15.4 km) route that involves more significant elevation gain and explores the wider combe landscape.

There are over 50 different hiking routes to explore in and around Great Wood. These range from short, easy strolls of just a couple of miles to more demanding moderate hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful mixed woodlands, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes available for all abilities.

Yes, the majority of the popular routes in Great Wood are loops that start and end at one of the main car parks. This makes planning your walk straightforward, as you can easily return to your starting point without retracing your steps.

Forestry England provides public toilets and picnic tables near the main Great Wood car park. There are no cafes directly within the forest itself, so it's a good idea to bring your own drinks and snacks for your walk.

The forest and surrounding hills are home to a diverse range of wildlife. If you're quiet and lucky, you may spot red and roe deer among the trees. The area is also known for its birdlife, and you can often hear the distinctive call of ravens overhead.