OVERVIEW

Allthough smaller than it used to be, this is still a huge area of forest criss-crossed by cycle tracks, Forestry trails and footpaths. In 1938 the Forest became England's first National Forest Park, today the forest covers approximately 24,000 acres. Mining has been carried out within the Forest for over 2500 years, as its rocks were rich in ores, coal and building stone, which explains the many disused railway paths which are particularily suitable for cycling or running. The car parks with amenites tend to be pay and display but there are also numerous free car parks.