Whitwell Wood

Ancient Woodland Adventures: Exploring Whitwell Wood, Derbyshire

Location: Whitwell Wood, near Whitwell, Derbyshire, S80 3EE.

The Walk:

This suggested walk offers a delightful and varied circular route of approximately 2-4 miles, allowing you and your canine companion to experience the ancient beauty of Whitwell Wood. The extensive network of paths means you can easily adapt the length to suit your energy levels.

1. Starting from the Car Park: Head into the wood from the main car park. You'll immediately be surrounded by a mature canopy, giving a sense of being truly immersed in nature.

2. Follow the Main Tracks: Begin by taking one of the wider, more established tracks. These are generally easier to navigate and provide a good starting point for your exploration.

3. Explore the Ancient Sections: Whitwell Wood is an ancient woodland, meaning it has existed continuously since at least 1600 AD. Keep an eye out for tell-tale signs like old oak trees, coppiced hazel, and a rich understory of plants.

4. Venture onto Smaller Trails (Optional Loops): The joy of Whitwell Wood lies in its extensive network of smaller, winding paths that branch off the main routes. These offer a more intimate woodland experience, often leading through denser areas or over gentle slopes. Your dog will love weaving through these natural trails. Be prepared for these to be muddier.

5. Look for Woodland Wildlife: The wood is home to a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, squirrels, and if you're very lucky, perhaps deer in the quieter areas.

6. Enjoy the Undulating Terrain: The wood features gentle undulations, providing a pleasant physical challenge without being overly strenuous. This adds to the variety of the walk.

7. Embrace the Seasonal Changes: Whitwell Wood changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring, expect a carpet of bluebells and wild garlic. In autumn, the colours are spectacular. In winter, the bare trees reveal the contours of the land.

8. Create Your Own Circular Route: The beauty of Whitwell Wood is that you can often wander and loop back. Use the position of the car park as your reference point and aim to create a circular path that brings you back towards your starting point. Don't be afraid to take a few "wrong" turns – they often lead to lovely, quiet spots!
   
   

Points to Consider:

• Lead Etiquette: While off-lead walking is popular, always keep your dog on a lead when passing other walkers, cyclists (some trails are shared-use), horse riders, or if you encounter any livestock in adjacent fields (less common directly within the wood, but good to be aware). Ensure your dog has excellent recall.
• Mud: This cannot be stressed enough! Whitwell Wood can be very muddy, especially after rain or in winter. Prepare with appropriate footwear and perhaps a towel for muddy paws before getting back in the car.
• Water: There are no facilities within the wood, so bring plenty of fresh water for both you and your dog, particularly on warmer days.
• Dog Waste: Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. Use the provided bins in the car park, or be prepared to take all waste home with you if bins are full or unavailable.
• Trees: Be mindful of falling branches, especially in windy weather.
• Ticks: As with any woodland, ticks can be present, especially in taller grass or leaf litter. Check your dog thoroughly after the walk.

Why Your Dog Will Love This Walk:

• Endless Sniffing Opportunities: The ancient woodland floor is a sensory paradise for dogs.
• Freedom to Roam: The vastness of the wood allows for great off-lead adventures (where safe and responsible).
• Varied Terrain: The mix of wide paths and winding trails keeps the walk exciting.
• Natural Shade: A welcome relief on warmer days, offering cool spots to explore.
  
  

Overall:

Whitwell Wood offers a genuinely immersive and highly enjoyable dog walking experience in Derbyshire. Its ancient beauty, extensive network of paths, and dog-friendly atmosphere make it a perfect destination for a refreshing and enriching outing with your four-legged companion. Be prepared for mud, but the natural rewards are well worth it!

Image: © Copyright Andrew Hill and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.