Bourne Wood: woodland and northern ponds circuit

A five-kilometre circuit through Bourne Wood, using established woodland paths and forest tracks to reach the ponds in the northern part of the wood. Allow about two hours to two hours and a quarter with time to stop and watch for birds; steady walking alone takes around 80 minutes. The long rides make this a good choice for a woodland walk without a substantial hill climb.

Start at Forestry England’s public car park off the Bourne–Edenham road. Join the path north of the car park and turn west onto the southern ride. Follow the western woodland path north, keeping within Bourne Wood and east of the boundary with private Pillar Wood. Turn east along the northern ride past the ponds, then head south on the forest track. Take the eastern woodland paths near Diana’s Glade and return along the southern ride to the car park. The short approach from the car park is retraced.

Forestry England notes that there are no waymarked trails here, so keep the saved map handy and check junctions rather than expecting coloured route markers. Surfaces range from wider tracks to uneven woodland paths. Tree roots, puddles and soft mud can slow the walk after rain. Keep back from pond edges, observe forestry-work closures and never enter an operational work area.

The public car park is listed as free and opens from dawn to dusk; check the entrance signs and return before the gate closes. Bring water and refreshments. Do not rely on toilets or a café being available on this route. Keep dogs under close control and leave private Pillar Wood undisturbed.

Planning references: Forestry England’s Bourne Wood visitor page and the Friends of Bourne Woods woodland booklet and map. The circuit follows public woodland paths, not a marked official trail. Check the operator’s current notices before travelling. https://www.forestryengland.uk/bourne-wood-bourne