5 Scenic Thetford Forest walks you need to try

Thetford Forest offers the chance to explore a unique landscape that is brimming with natural charm.

Covering 47,000 acres of land between north Suffolk and south Norfolk, Thetford Forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the UK’s largest pine forest, perfect for walks and exploring on foot.

It is an idyllic place to spend a refreshing Sunday; explore the woodland floor or unleash your inner child on a treetop adventure at Go Ape. With tall trees and fallow deer, easy trails for a gentle stroll, and more challenging routes to test your stamina, walks in Thetford Forest offer something for everyone!

Channel your inner adventurer with these scenic Thetford Forest walks…

1. Pine Trail

Our first Thetford Forest walk is the Pine Trail. Here you can enjoy a calming ramble through the tall trees and spot squirrels darting across your path along the way. With its wide, levelled woodland floor, this Thetford Forest walk is accessible for all!

Bring along your four-legged friends or enjoy a solo stroll along this scenic loop. Begin your route from High Lodge and spot colourful wildflowers along the way. Pine Trail is also a popular route for mountain biking, with its large trees keeping the ground dry.

Afterwards, why not reward yourself with a home-cooked meal in the market town of Thetford, which offers a great selection of traditional pubs?

Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Families, pets, couples, wheelchairs
Distance: 1 mile

2. Fir Trail

Fir Trail is a moderately difficult route that provides more of a challenging walk in Thetford Forest. This 3-mile trail is certain to test your endurance as you explore tranquil areas of the forest, either on a long hike or a run, where you can keep cool beneath the shade of the trees.

This walk in Thetford Forest gives you the option to complete several routes, varying in length from 5-12km, perfect for building up stamina amongst stunning scenery. Fir Trail is settled near the small market town of Brandon in Suffolk, where you can reward your efforts with a pint or two!

Look out for fascinating UK wildlife on your journey; you may come across deer, squirrels and rabbits in their natural habitat.

Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults, families and pets
Distance: 3 miles

3. Beech Trail

Next on our guide to Thetford Forest walks is Beech Trail, nestled deep in the heart of the forest, ideal for historians. Enjoy a gentle stroll through the ever-changing colours of Risbeth Wood and pass the ancient Thetford Warren Lodge, built in 1400 by the Prior of Thetford.

Thetford Warren Lodge retains many of its original features, with its flint walls and defensive structures, so be sure to bring along your camera for some fantastic photo opportunities!

Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults, history buffs
Distance: 3.75 miles

4. Heritage Trail

Discover 4000 years of history on the accessible Heritage Trail. With its smooth surface and shortcuts, this walking trail is suitable for all abilities. Embark on an adventure around the circular route or shorten your walk and take a break on a bench when needed.

This Thetford Forest walk was built as part of the Trailing the Hidden Heritage of High Lodge project, which involved many volunteers researching the history below the trees.

Make use of the touchscreen monitor to unveil the past of High Lodge and what it once looked like. Be sure to listen to the audio panels for a unique insight into ‘Stories of the Landscape’.

Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Adults, families and pets
Distance: 2.6 miles

5. Go Ape

Looking for a Thetford Forest walk with a twist?

Discover nearly 50,000 acres of forest and unleash your adventurous side by swinging through trees or mountain biking on the lowland at Go Ape!

If you’re an experienced ‘Go-Aper’ then you may wish to tackle the obstacles on the Treetop Challenge. Alternatively, for a family-friendly activity, embark on the Treetop Adventure to discover insane crossings.

Go Ape is located close to the town of Thetford, so why not make a weekend of it? Be sure to tour the ancient attractions of the town, including Euston Hall and the Charles Burrell Museum.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Suitable for: Adults, children, thrill-seekers

Have these Thetford Forest walks left you feeling inspired? Take a look at accommodation in Norfolk and for more inspiration visit the Norfolk travel guide. Alternatively, find even more adventures with our walks in Norfolk guide.