January 2025 walks: Derbyshire named in list of UK's best forests for top hikes
Explore the best UK woodlands for walks this January, with Derbyshire's Padley Gorge ranking highly.
Warmer weather means people will be looking to go out and about to explore the natural beauty of the UK.
Outdoor experts commissioned research which they say reveals the most impressive woodlands to explore this January.
GoOutdoors analysed Google reviews, Instagram posts and Google searches to reveal the UK’s best woodlands and forests.
GoOutdoors’ research placed Derbyshire’s Padley Gorge joint fourth place
Where is Padley Gorge, Derbyshire?
Padley Gorge is one of the region’s hidden gems. Amble past a pretty meadow, stroll past Longshaw’s pond and gently make your way through ancient woodland on this easy walk.
Padley Gorge was beaten only by New Forest in Hampshire, and Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
Here is the list of the UK’s top 10 woodlands
(Along with woodland scores out of 10.)
1. New Forest, Hampshire, 9.94
2. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, 9.03
3. Tollymore Forest, County Down, Northern Ireland, 8.73
4. Thetford Forest, Suffolk & Norfolk, 8.12
4. Padley Gorge, Derbyshire, 8.12
6. Epping Forest, Essex, 8.04
7. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, 7.82
8. Kielder Forest, Northumberland, 7.67
9. Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, 7.52
10. Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire, 7.06