Raincliffe and Forge Valley Woods National Nature Reserve

📍 ScarboroughNorth Yorkshire

Ancient woods along the River Derwent near Scarborough, with a riverside boardwalk and Throxenby Mere

What’s free

Free to walk in the woods, on the boardwalk and around Throxenby Mere

About

Raincliffe and Forge Valley Woods form a large wooded valley on the edge of the North York Moors, cut by meltwater at the end of the last ice age. Paths, bridleways and a riverside boardwalk follow the River Derwent, and Throxenby Mere sits at the foot of Raincliffe Woods. Look out for deer, badgers and woodland birds; the boardwalk can be slippery after rain.

Opening times

  • Open access woodland. Check raincliffewoods.co.uk for any path closures.

Times can change, so check with the venue before a special trip.

Still free?

Checked by our editors on 13 Oct 2026.

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