Delamere Forest: Blakemere Moss woodland circuit

Start in Forestry England's main Visitor Centre car park and use the paved pedestrian route to the cafe and walking-trail signs. Follow the yellow Blakemere markers northwest through mature woodland, crossing the railway on the established forest bridge, then continue past the woodland play and sculpture area to Blakemere Moss. The circuit follows the northern shore, curves around the eastern end and returns along the southern shore before retracing the woodland approach to the visitor centre and car park.

Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes for this car-park-to-car-park version, including short stops by the water. The route uses forest tracks and compacted paths with some inclines, loose stones and seasonal mud or fallen leaves. It is shared with cyclists. Keep to the marked walking route at junctions, take care on the railway bridge and stay out of the wetland and lake margins. Forestry England lists the Blakemere trail as suitable for all-terrain mobility scooters; this does not imply suitability for every wheelchair or pushchair.

The main car park is paid, cashless and uses ANPR, with payment on leaving. Cafe, toilets and the visitor welcome point are at the start. Car-park hours are 8am to 8pm in summer and 8am to 5pm in winter, changing on the Monday after the clocks change. Nearby United Utilities roadworks may affect the drive to the forest, which the operator says remains open; check the current travel notice and on-site signs before setting off. Keep dogs under control and take litter home.

Route and access information: Forestry England's current Blakemere trail page, Delamere visitor information and August 2025 walking map, checked 4 October 2026.