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

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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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Ayton CastleRuined 14th century pele tower at West Ayton, viewed from outside✓ Free
Throxenby MereA small woodland lake at the foot of Raincliffe Woods, just outside Scarborough.✓ Free
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