An easy and pleasant walk taking in the Lael Forest Garden with its 200 different tree species together with a longer plantation section with waterfalls.
Summary
Easy going, but narrow paths with one steep section.
Terrain
Lael Forest Garden car park on A 835 north of Braemore Junction and
opposite the Woodturner
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. From the car park and picnic site it is worth first heading east up the steps and along the path at the back of the car park to view the waterfall. Return to the car park and go through the gate on the left hand side to enter the Lael Forest Garden. Before the Forestry Commission took it over in 1929 the land belonged to tree enthusiasts who had collected species from all over the world. Now over 200 species are represented and sign boards identify the different trees including giant redwoods and cricket bat willows.
2. Turn left at the first fork to head uphill through the woods passing a Tulip tree from the USA on your right. At the next junction turn left again and continue uphill. The path passes through Lawson cypress which is the predecessor to the most commonly planted garden conifer today. Continue as the path meanders through the trees and turns downhill to reach a gate at the far end of the forest garden.
3. Go through the gate into the other car park and picnic area. Cross to the back, passing a green and red marker post, to enter the forest. Go through the kissing gate and immediately turn left over a small wooden bridge. The path passes through pine trees and crosses another bridge. At the right time of year many species of fungi can be found in this section of woodland.
4. Continue on the path until it emerges in a small parking area. Go straight across this to follow a track which heads gently uphill. At a junction turn left and follow the track, passing through a gate. Ignore a path branching off to the right and stay on the lower track. The track crosses a small stream and then take a sharp turn onto a path on the left. The path drops steeply downhill to return to the second car park.
5. Go back through the gate into the Forest Garden and take the lower path. Keep left at the first junction passing a Cricket Bat Willow on the left. Follow the clear path, looking out for the information points. Two Wellingtonia, or Giant Sequoia, the species is the largest tree in the world, can be seen on the left. Turn left at the next junction to return to the entrance gate and the car park.
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