Things to Do around Parkhurst Forest
Parkhurst Forest is a significant natural area on the Isle of Wight, recognized as one of the oldest and second-largest forests on the island. It features a diverse landscape composed of ancient woodland, relict heathland, and mixed coniferous and deciduous trees, including mature Oak and Beech. This varied terrain provides a suitable environment for several outdoor sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, and more, with an extensive network of paths and tracks. Parkhurst Forest is also a…
124
Routes
4.6
(192)
Average rating
2228
People visited
4.6
(5)
36
hikers
7.24km
01:57
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(10)
45
hikers
17.9km
04:38
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
21
hikers
8.12km
02:12
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(8)
37
hikers
10.8km
03:03
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
96
riders
24.6km
01:07
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(5)
117
riders
48.8km
02:17
250m
250m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(2)
84
riders
48.5km
02:06
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
142
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4.5
(14)
56
riders
26.6km
01:46
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
50
riders
24.3km
01:29
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
40
riders
29.9km
02:48
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(2)
19
riders
36.0km
02:13
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4.7
(15)
45
riders
47.0km
03:28
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
30
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(8)
19
riders
41.5km
03:09
530m
530m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.5
(13)
26
riders
20.0km
01:07
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
25
runners
9.99km
01:06
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
runners
6.87km
00:45
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
runners
4.90km
00:32
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
20
runners
20.2km
02:11
140m
140m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Explore the region
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Parkhurst Forest?
Parkhurst Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, and jogging. The area features 26 routes across these sports, with an average rating of 4.63 stars from over 60,000 visitors. Specific guides are available for hiking and cycling.
Are there family-friendly trails in Parkhurst Forest?
Yes, Parkhurst Forest provides family-friendly options suitable for various ages. These trails often feature well-maintained paths through ancient woodlands. A dedicated guide for family-friendly hikes is available.
What kind of hiking trails are in Parkhurst Forest?
Parkhurst Forest offers a range of hiking trails through ancient woodland, relict heathland, and plantation areas. Options include well-maintained gravel tracks and unmarked paths, with routes categorized as easy or moderate. Popular routes include the "Squirrel and Nut Sculpture loop" at 2.1 miles (3.4 km).
Is Parkhurst Forest suitable for cycling?
Parkhurst Forest is suitable for various cycling disciplines, including touring, road, and mountain biking. It features mostly flat paths for general cycling, with some areas offering hills and dirt jumps for mountain bikers. Cyclists can find routes connecting to the Red Squirrel Trail.
Are dogs allowed in Parkhurst Forest?
Yes, Parkhurst Forest is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions on the trails. There are specific resources available for planning walks with pets. A guide for dog-friendly hikes can assist in finding suitable routes.
What wildlife can be seen in Parkhurst Forest?
Parkhurst Forest is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly its thriving population of red squirrels, which can often be observed from a dedicated viewing hide. Other species include various bird species like nightjars and woodpeckers, great crested newts in ponds, and white admiral butterflies.
What are the best routes for mountain biking in Parkhurst Forest?
Parkhurst Forest offers areas with varied terrain, including hills and dirt jumps, suitable for mountain biking. While some tracks can be bumpy, they provide an adventurous ride. More information on specific routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Parkhurst Forest guide.
How large is Parkhurst Forest and what are its key features?
Parkhurst Forest spans approximately 395 hectares (976 acres) and is the second largest forest on the Isle of Wight. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), characterized by ancient woodland, relict heathland, and a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, including mature Oak and Beech.
Are there any running trails in Parkhurst Forest?
Yes, Parkhurst Forest offers trails suitable for jogging and running. The forest's network of paths provides varied terrain for runners. A guide specifically for Running Trails around Parkhurst Forest is available.
How can I find komoot guides for Parkhurst Forest?
Komoot offers several guides for Parkhurst Forest covering various activities and interests. These include guides for hiking, family-friendly hikes, cycling, and dog-friendly hikes, among others.
What is the official website for Parkhurst Forest?
The official website for Parkhurst Forest is managed by Forestry England. Visitors can find more information about the forest and its facilities by visiting the official site.
What is the contact number for Parkhurst Forest?
For inquiries regarding Parkhurst Forest, the contact number is 0300 067 4600. This number connects to Forestry England, which manages the forest.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
