Miltonrigg Woods
Brampton
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
63.58 ha (157.11 acres)
Grid reference:
NY559612
Map reference:
Explorer 315
OS Landranger 86
Miltonrigg Woods is an extraordinary and atmospheric place. An outstanding feature in the Cumbrian landscape, this ancient woodland displays vibrant flowers and magnificent veteran trees, as well as wetland areas and a pond.
With so much to see, excellent access facilities and a number of benches at key points to provide a welcome rest, this woodland is ideal for walkers and is a beautiful spot for a picnic. It’s also just a few kilometres south of Hadrian’s Wall and other historical attractions, making it a great destination for an extended stay.
Features
- Parking at site
- Public access
- Waymarked walk
How to get to Miltonrigg Woods
Miltonrigg lies to the east of Carlisle near the town of Brampton, just off the A69 and 14.4km (9 miles) east of Carlisle on the M6.
It sits in a rural landscape surrounded by the stunning Cumbrian countryside, with the south-east corner of the site, known as Folly Wood, separated from the main body of the wood by a railway line.
Exit the M6 at junction 44 on to the A689. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the A69, following the sign for Hexham.
Miltonrigg Woods is located on the right, approximately 4.8km (3 miles) from the roundabout. Turn right at Naworth crossroads onto Hallbankgate Road (sign-posted Hallbankgate) and there is a car park on the right in the north-east corner of the wood.
The nearest train station is in Brampton, 1.6km (1 mile) south-east of the town.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is in the village of Milton, served by services from Brampton and Alston.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Facilities and access
Miltonrigg Woods is large and mainly flat with excellent public access facilities. There are over 4km (2.5 miles) of footpaths.
From the car park there are two waymarked walks, one suitable for wheelchairs and buggies which takes visitors past the pond, and a second, longer circular route through the woodland on unsurfaced paths with a few steps.
A RADAR-accessible gate and squeeze stile suitable for wheelchairs ensures access for all, and tap rails aid the visually impaired, especially when crossing ditches.
There is a large on-site car park in the north-east corner of the wood just off Hallbankgate Road, with space for up to 15 cars.
There are public toilets in the car park between Main Street and Front Street in the centre of Brampton. There are also toilets with RADAR key access at Talkin Tarn, 6.4km (4 miles) away.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Look out for breeding birds like the wood warbler and willow tit, as well as the toads, newts and dragonflies which live in or by the pond. You might be lucky enough to spot a roe deer or, if you visit in the evening, hear the call of a tawny owl.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
The woods are dominated by oak and birch, with little understorey but a huge range of ground flora. Over 200 different woodland plants have been recorded, including bluebell, wood anemone and early purple orchid.
Look out for:
Habitats
Miltonrigg Woods is a mix of ancient woodland and semi-natural woodland. The varied canopies here provide vital habitats for local wildlife.
Explore:
History of Miltonrigg Woods
Although large parts of Miltonrigg Woods and the adjoining Folly Wood are ancient in origin, many of the trees seen today were planted around 1890. Subsequently, areas have been intermittently felled and planted between 1945 and 1984 with conifers, such as Scots pine and Norway spruce.
The woodland also contains some magnificent older trees of such quality that they were used in rebuilding part of the roof of York Minster in 1984, following a catastrophic fire.
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedicationThings to do in Miltonrigg Woods
A lasting legacy
This wood is just one of many to have been protected by gifts in wills, securing it for generations to come. Your legacy gift could also make a real difference to woods, trees and wildlife.
Learn what your gift could mean
