Near High Littleton, Somerset

Greyfield Wood

Ancient woodland

Place photograph

7.1

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandRemote countrysideWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.1

A mix of ancient woodland, new planting and natural regeneration, where old mining routes and tramways now thread through the trees. A waterfall is a notable feature of the wood.

Greyfield Wood has more character than a straightforward woodland stroll: a waterfall, varied woodland and traces of its mining past give visitors several things to look for along the way.

Peaceful · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling

Find your way

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Near High Littleton, Somerset

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The experience

Allow around 1–2 hours for a woodland walk. The AllTrails circular is listed as 2.8 miles, taking an estimated 1–1.5 hours; it includes woods and fields, with the waterfall as a highlight. Check the route and access conditions before setting out.

Things to do

Walk the woodland paths

Choose a circular walk along surfaced paths or explore the wilder tracks; check conditions, especially after rain.

1–1.5 hours

Find the waterfall

Make the waterfall a focal point of the walk. The AllTrails description notes it can be busy at weekends.

Look for mining history in the paths

Many pathways were former mining routes and tramways leading to a colliery. AllTrails also describes signs of bell pits and shallow shafts; do not leave paths to investigate them.

Notice the woodland’s changing character

Look for the mix of ancient woodland, new planting, natural regeneration and sweet chestnut plantations.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–1.5 hours

Quick woodland loop

01
Follow the Greyfield Wood circular route, checking the current map and access conditions before you set off.
02
Make the waterfall a highlight of the walk.
03
Look for old mining routes and tramways beneath the woodland paths.

Verified history

The supplied sources describe Greyfield Wood as a mix of ancient woodland, new planting and natural regeneration. The Woodland Trust notes that many paths were once mining routes and tramways leading to a colliery; AllTrails also reports evidence of coal mining and the former use of the area as part of the Earl of Warwickshire’s hunting estate.

Hidden details

Former tramways beneath the trees — Some paths follow routes once used by mining tramways leading to a colliery, giving an ordinary woodland walk an industrial-history layer.

Tree crevices and woodland wildlife — The Woodland Trust recommends looking for signs of wildlife in cracks and crevices in ancient trees.

When to go

March · April · May · October · November · Early morning or a weekday for a quieter visit; the supplied source row suggests these are less crowded.

The source row notes spring bluebells; the Woodland Trust describes the wood as especially brooding in autumn and winter. Exact flowering dates are not established.

Paths may become muddy after rain. Check the forecast and current route conditions before visiting.

What to look for

01
The waterfall
02
surfaced paths that follow former mining routes and tramways
03
ancient trees and their cracks and crevices
04
and the contrast between ancient woodland, new planting and natural regeneration.

The story

Industry; woodland mining routes and tramways

Best time to go

Spring for woodland flowers; autumn and winter for the brooding woodland atmosphere. Paths may be muddy after rain.

Spring for woodland flowers; autumn and winter for a more atmospheric walk. Early mornings and weekdays may be quieter, according to the supplied source row; check conditions after rain.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers