From the peaceful tracks of the New Forest to the dramatic valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, the UK offers a wealth of car-free countryside escapes, from ancient woods to dramatic upland trails.
And with TrainSplit, getting there doesn’t have to cost the earth either.
Beyond their beauty, these landscapes are a natural antidote to stress, walking in forests has been shown to lower anxiety, improve mood, and support mental wellbeing.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
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Yorkshire Dales National Park
Rolling dales, limestone gorges, and peaceful woodlands. Ideal for walkers looking for a mix of forest and moorland.
Image credit: Matthew Gibson | Canva Pro
The park is well-served by rail, especially via the Leeds–Settle–Carlisle line, which includes:
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Skipton
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Settle
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Horton-in-Ribblesdale
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Ribblehead
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Dent
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Garsdale
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Kirkby Stephen
These stations provide direct access into the heart of the national park and to a range of walking routes, including moorland and woodland.
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Redmire Station, while currently part of the heritage Wensleydale Railway, also reaches into the park, though its service may be limited or seasonal.
📍 Janet’s Foss & Gordale Scar access:
The start of the walk (Malham village) is not directly served by rail, but:
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You can take a train to Skipton, then a bus to Malham.
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Travel options are regularly used by walkers and recommended by local authorities (e.g., DalesBus).
Lake District National Park
Nearest stations: Windermere, Penrith, Oxenholme
Image credit: Jason Hudson | Unsplash
The Lake District is best known for its lakes and mountain fells, but it also offers beautiful wooded areas and riverside trails. While train access into the National Park itself is limited, careful planning allows you to explore much of the region car-free using a combination of rail, bus, and boat.
📍Grizedale Forest
Walking trails between Coniston Water and Windermere.
Nearest train station: Windermere — with regular bus connections to Grizedale Forest.
Trail options:
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Millwood Trail (1–2.5 km) — easy intro past ancient trees
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Carron Crag Trail (5 km) — climb to the highest point with panoramic views
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Silurian Way (16 km) — longest trail featuring woodland art and varied scenery
Travel tips:
Windermere station offers onward buses to Grizedale Forest, making it accessible without a car. Regular bus services and local taxis run from Windermere to the forest.
South Downs National Park
Chalk hills, coastal forests, and ancient yew groves across southern England.
Image credit: Zhi Xuan Hew | Unsplash
📍Kingley Vale Nature Reserve
Home to one of Europe’s most impressive yew forests.
Highlights:
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Ancient yew forest with veteran trees over 500 years old
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Chalk grassland with orchids and butterflies
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Important archaeological sites including Iron Age Goosehill Camp and Bronze Age Devil’s Humps burial mounds
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WWII history with Auxiliary Units’ patrol base remains
Getting there:
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By train: Nearest main station is Chichester
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By bus: Local routes from Chichester (e.g., Route 54 to Funtington) and from Bosham (3.5 miles walk via quiet lanes)
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Walking/cycling: National Cycle Route 2 along A259 connects Bosham to Kingley Vale via East Ashling and West Stoke
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Parking: West Stoke car park (approx. 25–30 spaces) offers best access with a 15-minute all-access path to the reserve entrance
Travel tips:
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Keep dogs on leads around livestock and wildlife
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Bag and bin dog waste responsibly
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Terrain beyond the visitor centre is more challenging — suitable footwear recommended
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Explore the Hidden Landscape Trail (4.4 miles/7 km, approx. 3 hours) to see historic sites and nature highlights
Exmoor National Park
A rugged mix of moorland, wooded valleys, and dramatic coastline straddling Devon and Somerset. Exmoor is home to ancient woodlands, red deer, wild ponies, and some of the UK’s darkest skies — perfect for stargazing.
Image credit: Jack Gardner | Unsplash
📍 Lynmouth Circular Walk via Watersmeet & Countisbury
A scenic and varied loop from Lynmouth that includes coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and tranquil woodland. Highlights include Watersmeet House (ideal for cream tea), riverbank trails, and wide views from the South West Coast Path. Watch for otters, dippers, and roe deer along the way.
- 5.5 miles / ~2.5 hours
- Mixed terrain including woodland, coastal paths, and steps
- Dogs on leads (livestock and wildlife)
Getting there by public transport
Take the train to Barnstaple, then hop on the 300 bus to Lynmouth. This route is well-used by walkers and connects to other Exmoor and coastal paths.
North York Moors National Park
Dalby Forest, set within the beautiful North York Moors National Park, offers a variety of walking trails through diverse woodland habitats, rolling moorland views, and peaceful lakes. Whether you’re after accessible paths or more challenging forest routes, Dalby has something for all ages and abilities.
Image credit: Andy Carne | Unsplash
📍 Dalby Forest Trails, North York Moors
Selected Dalby Forest Walks
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Blue Trail (2.6 km / 1.6 miles)
Winding through varied woodland, this moderate route offers outstanding views of the Dalby Dales and Ellerburn.
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Ellerburn Red Trail (2.8 km / 1.7 miles, accessible)
A shorter, fully accessible route along roads and hard surfaces leading to Ellerburn Pond with lovely valley views.
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Woodcock Way (4.8 km / 3 miles or 7 km / 4.5 miles)
A circular trail through Staindale, Yondhead Rigg, and Crosscliff with fine views over the moors. Mostly forest roads with some hills and uneven paths.
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Nissen Hut Trail (1 km / 0.6 miles, fully accessible)
A short accessible walk to the unique Nissen Hut sculpture, commemorating the Forestry Commission Centenary.
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Jerry Noddle Trail (4.5 km / 2.8 miles)
A circular trail rewarding walkers with spectacular views over Upper Langdale Valley. Mostly forest roads with some off-road sections.
Getting There by Public Transport
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By train: The nearest railway stations are Scarborough (approx. 30 min by road) and Malton (approx. 45 min). From both, onward travel is by bus or taxi.
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By bus:
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The 128 (Scarborough–Helmsley) stops at Pickering, the closest town to Dalby Forest.
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From Pickering, you can take a taxi or check for seasonal Moorsbus services that stop near Low Dalby.
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All listed buses are part of the £3 fare scheme running until December 2025.
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The Moorsbus also connects towns like Helmsley, Pickering, and Goathland to Dalby Forest on weekends and public holidays (May–September). It’s ideal for car-free access to walking routes across the park.
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park
Best known for its sweeping moorlands and dramatic peaks like Pen y Fan, the Brecon Beacons also offers gentler wooded valleys, waterfalls, and old railway paths perfect for lowland walking and cycling.
Image credit: Andrew Masters | Unsplash
📍 Taff Trail: Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon section
Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) one way
This section of the 55-mile Taff Trail follows an old railway line from the edge of Merthyr into the Brecon Beacons. The route crosses the spectacular Cefn Coed Viaduct, winds through peaceful woodland, and gradually climbs to the shores of Pontsticill Reservoir — with sweeping views of the highest peaks in the park. The trail is nearly all traffic-free and surfaced, with just a short final stretch on quiet roads.
Getting there:
Trains run to Merthyr Tydfil from Cardiff. From the station, it’s a short ride or walk to join the trail near Cyfarthfa Park or Cefn Coed. Buses like the T4 and T14 also connect the town to nearby villages and trail access points.
Northumberland National Park
Windswept hills, ancient Roman ruins, and vast skies make Northumberland one of the UK’s most underrated walking destinations. Though less wooded than some southern parks, it offers peaceful trails through pine forests, alongside rivers, and past the iconic remains of Hadrian’s Wall. It’s ideal for those looking for quiet, spacious walks with plenty of history underfoot.
Image credit: Andrew Masters | Unsplash
📍Kielder Lakeside Way
Distance: 26 miles circular (you can pick shorter sections)
This scenic trail loops around Kielder Reservoir in Kielder Water & Forest Park, offering stunning views of the water, forest art, and opportunities to spot wildlife like ospreys and red squirrels. The route is easy to follow with parking at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre, Kielder Castle, and Kielder Waterside. You can choose to walk either the north or south shore for a shorter trip.
Getting to Kielder & Northumberland
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From the south or Midlands: Travel via Newcastle, which is well connected by train from London and Birmingham.
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From Scotland: Travel via the A1 to Berwick-upon-Tweed, then on to Kielder village by the A698 or local bus.
Peak District National Park
Image credit: Jo Amos | Unsplash
A land of gritstone edges, limestone dales, and timeless villages, the Peak District blends dramatic moorland with rolling countryside. It’s one of the UK’s most accessible national parks by train, making it ideal for car-free walking adventures.
Image credit: Andrew Masters | Unsplash
📍Best walks near train-accessible areas:
- Kinder Scout from Edale - England’s first mass trespass site and a classic moorland challenge.
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Padley Gorge & Longshaw Estate - A gentle, fairytale-like woodland walk with streams and waterfalls.
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Monsal Trail - A traffic-free route through old railway tunnels and stunning dales.
- Bleaklow via Glossop - Wild and windswept — perfect for experienced walkers after solitude.
- Longdendale Trail - A flat, scenic route following a former railway line from Padfield.
- Hartington & Dove Dale - Accessible by bus from Buxton, this route takes you through iconic limestone scenery.
Getting to the Peak District by Train
From nearby cities like Manchester, Sheffield, and Derby, you can easily reach different corners of the park:
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Hope Valley Line (Manchester ↔ Sheffield)
Stops: Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope, Edale
Access to: Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Padley Gorge
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Derwent Valley Line (Derby ↔ Matlock)
Connects with bus services to Bakewell and White Peak villages
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Manchester ↔ Glossop (via Northern Railway)
For Dark Peak walks around Bleaklow and Longdendale Trail
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Manchester ↔ Buxton
Buses from Buxton reach Hartington, Bakewell and the southern dales
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Manchester ↔ Huddersfield (via Greenfield and Marsden)
Great for moorland routes around Dove Stones and Wessenden Moors
Travel tip:
Check out Transpeak Walks for guided station-to-station walking routes across the park.
Train services are operated by Northern, East Midlands Railway, and TransPennine Express. Connections are frequent, especially from major city hubs.
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms National Park
Towering Scots pines, mirror-like lochs, and Highland wildlife make Glenmore one of the most scenic forest escapes in the UK. Located within Cairngorms National Park, it’s perfect for nature lovers looking to explore native Caledonian woodland on foot, with great public transport access via Aviemore.
Image credit: u_t_a | Getty images
📍Ryvoan Pass - Glenmore to Nethy Bridge
This linear trail is a local favourite, offering a rewarding hike through pinewoods and past the magical Lochan Uaine — known as the “Green Loch.” The route then descends through the ancient Abernethy Forest to Nethy Bridge.
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Moderate terrain on well-maintained paths
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Around 5–6 miles one way
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Dog-friendly, with good path conditions
Getting There by Train + Bus
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Train to Aviemore (direct from Inverness and Edinburgh)
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Bus to Glenmore Visitor Centre (start point)
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Return from Nethy Bridge to Aviemore or Grantown by bus
If you’re not walking back, check bus timetables in advance to time your trip, the route is linear rather than circular.
New Forest, Hampshire
One of the UK’s most enchanting ancient woodlands, the New Forest blends open heathland, wild ponies, and shaded trails that feel a world away from city life. Brockenhurst is your gateway, just 90 minutes by train from London and right in the heart of the forest.
Image credit: DonaldMorgan | Getty images
📍Lyndhurst - Brockenhurst Loop
This 10-mile circular walk links two of the New Forest’s best-known villages via forest tracks, tea shops, and local landmarks. Expect peaceful woodland, gentle riverside paths, and even a dip at Brockenhurst Beach in summer.
Getting There by Train
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Brockenhurst Station: On the South Western Main Line, direct from London, Southampton, and Bournemouth
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Ashurst New Forest Station: For shorter trails near Lyndhurst
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Bus and taxi services connect surrounding villages if you want to walk one-way or base yourself in one village
Trains are frequent and both towns are well set up for walkers — with cafés, local shops, and plenty of nearby trails.
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Famous as the setting for Winnie-the-Pooh, Ashdown Forest is a peaceful, open heathland landscape with sweeping views, quiet trails, and a rich connection to literature and wildlife.
Image credit: Brian Hamill | Unsplash
📍Heathland Walks in Ashdown Forest
Explore a landscape of purple heather, rare birds, and wide open skies. Walks here range from short family trails to longer loops with sweeping views — perfect for late summer and autumn.
Getting There by Train
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Nearest stations: East Grinstead or Tunbridge Wells
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Local buses or short taxi rides connect both towns to key trailheads like Gills Lap or the Pooh Bridge Car Park
Ashdown is ideal for day trips from London, with good rail links and a mix of easy and moderate walks through historic heathland.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire
Just a short train ride from Manchester or Liverpool, Delamere is a welcoming mix of broadleaf and pine woodland with flat, well-marked trails perfect for all ages and abilities. It’s ideal for a relaxed escape into nature.
Image credit: Rebecca Campbell | Unsplash
📍Blakemere Trail - Delamere Forest
This gentle 4.5-mile circular route winds through shady forest and around Blakemere Moss, a tranquil lake popular with birdwatchers. Expect mature trees, easy-going terrain, and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Getting There by Train
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Nearest station: Delamere (right next to the forest entrance)
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Regular services from Manchester, Chester, and Liverpool
With walking routes that start just steps from the platform, Delamere is one of the most train-accessible woodlands in the UK, perfect for a spontaneous day out.
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Thetford Forest, Norfolk/Suffolk
The UK’s largest lowland pine forest, Thetford offers a mix of woodland walks, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly adventures. Flat, open trails make it ideal for casual walkers, cyclists, and anyone looking to escape into nature for the day.
Image credit: Victoria Feliniak | Unsplash
📍The Pingo Trail - Thetford Forest
This unique 8-mile circular walk takes you through Thompson Common, marshy woodland, and past dozens of Pingo ponds — rare, ice-age-formed water features. Expect peaceful wetland scenery, wildflowers, longhorn cattle, and even stretches of Roman road and old railway.
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Easy, flat terrain
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Dog-friendly (under control, especially around livestock)
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Trail starts near Thompson, postcode NR17 1DP
Getting There by Train
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Nearest station: Thetford
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Local buses or short taxi rides can connect you to the Thompson area and trailhead
The Pingo Trail is a great option for walkers looking for a gentle but fascinating route through one of East Anglia’s most unique landscapes.
Epping Forest, London/Essex
Just a short hop from central London, Epping Forest offers 6,000+ acres of ancient woodland, heath, and grassland, perfect for a peaceful escape without leaving the capital. It’s a favourite for walkers, cyclists, and history buffs alike.
Image credit: Jude Mack | Unsplash
📍 Oak Trail - Epping Forest
This 6.6-mile circular walk begins from Theydon Bois and loops past highlights including the Ambresbury Banks Iron Age earthwork and the Epping Deer Sanctuary. It’s a great way to experience both the natural and historical richness of the forest.
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Approx. 3-4 hours
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Moderate with uneven surfaces
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Look out for fallow deer, ancient oaks, and acorn-loving squirrels
Getting There by Train
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Nearest National Rail station: Chingford (Greater Anglia) – walk straight into the forest from here
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Alternative access: Theydon Bois (Central Line – London Underground)
Travelling from further afield?
You can arrive into any of London’s mainline terminals, including:
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London Liverpool Street (connect for Chingford – Greater Anglia)
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London Paddington, King’s Cross, Euston, or Waterloo – then switch to Underground (Central Line) for Theydon Bois
This makes Epping Forest a very accessible destination for car-free day-trippers from across the UK.
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
One of England’s oldest and most iconic woodlands, the Forest of Dean is home to ancient trees, wildlife, deep gorges, and scenic riverside walks. While it isn’t a national park, it’s just as treasured, especially for its unique art trail.
Image credit: Brian Hamill | Unsplash
📍Sculpture Trail – Forest of Dean
A 4.5-mile circular walk starting at Beechenhurst, the Sculpture Trail leads you through majestic woodland past a series of site-specific sculptures that blend art and nature. It’s an ideal walk for families or anyone looking for something a little different.
Image credit: James Kelly-Smith | Unsplash
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Around 2–3 hours
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Mostly level forest tracks and paths
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Family-friendly and art-focused
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Start point: Beechenhurst
Getting There by Train
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Nearest train stations:
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Lydney (approx. 5 miles) – with bus/taxi access to Beechenhurst
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Chepstow (approx. 10 miles) – good for accessing the Wye Valley
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Quick Travel Tips for Forest Walks by Train
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Check bus timetables in advance, especially for linear or rural routes.
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Use the £3 bus fare cap (running across England until at least Dec 2025).
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Plan weekend trips around Moorsbus or DalesBus services, where applicable.
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Book split tickets with TrainSplit to cut the cost of long-distance rail.
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Download maps or GPX files before travel - signal can be patchy in rural areas.
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Bring suitable footwear, especially after wet weather or in heathland areas.
Choosing rail over car travel also helps protect the very landscapes you’re exploring, cutting emissions while supporting sustainable tourism in rural communities.
Getting into nature doesn’t have to mean driving miles out of your way. With a bit of planning and a railcard in hand, these forest escapes are just a train ride away.
Let TrainSplit help you explore the best of Britain’s great outdoors, for less.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning multiple trips, don’t forget to buy a digital Railcard directly through TrainSplit. It can pay for itself in just 1-2 journeys!
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