The best walks and hikes around Woodside
4.3
(248)
1,412
hikers
44
hikes
Hiking around Woodside, California, offers diverse environments on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region features towering redwood forests, open ridges, and expansive meadows. Hikers can explore various woodland types, including oak canopies, and encounter serene creeks and unique geological formations like Tafoni Sandstone. This landscape provides a range of trails for different skill levels.
Best hiking trails around Woodside
- The most popular hiking route is Molly's Path – Bowness-on-Solway loop from Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve…
Last updated: November 7, 2026
4.2
(6)
15
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
3.2
(11)
34
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.8
(4)
18
hikers
7.58km
01:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(3)
7
hikers
7.20km
01:49
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
11.4km
03:15
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Tips from the Community
Bowness-on-Solway is best known as being the western end of the iconic Hadrian's Wall. There is a small shelter here to mark the start of this national trail. You will not see much of the wall until after Carlisle, but the wall did originally start at the village with even more forts further down the coast. Being an estuary, this area is also a haven for wildlife and birdwatching.
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This is really the start of the Hadrians Wall National Trail. A lot of people stay here the night before the start of the walk. It’s a great start point too. The owners and staff couldn’t be more helpful, they are super nice and made our stay a splendid one.
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In 1823, a 11.5 mile canal was dug to link the Solway Firth to Carlisle for the transport by barge of heavy goods. The canal was eventually filled in and replaced by a railway line.
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The Kings Arms Inn in Bowness-on-Solway is a historic pub and B&B that has welcomed travelers and locals for over 400 years. Situated at the western end (Maia) of Hadrian's Wall, it's a popular base for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers exploring the Solway Coast National Landscape.
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In 1823, a 11.5 mile canal was dug to link the Solway Firth to Carlisle for the transport by barge of heavy goods. The canal was eventually filled in and replaced by a railway line.
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The northernmost border of the Roman Empire in the British Isles was secured against the Celtic tribes by a massive structure: Hadrian's Wall, built in the 120s. An episode of the television series "Treasures of the Roman Empire" on German television (ZDF) is dedicated to this 117-kilometer-long border fortification. The film (available only in German) can be accessed via the following link in the ZDF media library =>> https://www.zdf.de/dokumentation/zdfinfo-doku/schaetze-des-roemischen-reichs--der-hadrianswall-100.html
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Lovely place for a bite to eat, now have a brand new cafe with indoor & outdoor seating. Excellent menu
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Hadrian's Wall stretches from Bowness-on-Solway (a short distance west of here) right across the country to the North Sea. It was built by the Romans, starting in AD122 and took about six years to complete.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Woodside?
There are over 40 hiking trails around Woodside, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 22 easy routes, 20 moderate trails, and 3 more challenging options, ensuring something for every skill level.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Woodside?
Woodside's trails offer a rich variety of landscapes. You can explore towering redwood forests, open ridges with panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay, diverse woodlands including oak canopies, and serene creek beds. Some trails also feature unique geological formations like Tafoni Sandstone.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Woodside?
Yes, Woodside offers several easy, family-friendly hikes. For a short, accessible walk with minimal elevation change, consider the Watchtree Nature Reserve – Bird Feeding Station loop from Watchtree Nature Reserve, which is 2.2 miles long. Many parks like Huddart Park and Edgewood Park also feature gentle trails suitable for families.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the Woodside area?
Yes, many trails in Woodside are designed as loops, perfect for circular walks. An example is the Glasson Moss – Glasson Moss Boardwalk loop from Drumburgh, an easy 4.7-mile trail that takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to complete through open landscapes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Woodside?
The hiking experience in Woodside is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 190 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's diverse terrain, from tranquil redwood groves to expansive meadows, and the well-maintained network of trails suitable for various abilities.
What are some notable parks or preserves for hiking in Woodside?
Woodside is home to several excellent parks and preserves. Wunderlich County Park offers extensive trails through redwood groves and open ridges. Huddart Park provides an escape into native woodlands, while Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve is famous for its spring wildflower displays. For tranquil redwood trails, explore Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Are there any places to explore or landmarks near the hiking trails?
While hiking in the Woodside area, you can find several interesting spots. Consider visiting St Michael's Church, Burgh by Sands, a historical site. For a break, Caldbeck Village offers a cafe. You might also encounter the Solway Junction Railway Viaduct Remains, a man-made monument.
What is the best time of year to hike in Woodside?
Woodside offers great hiking year-round. Spring is particularly spectacular for wildflower displays in places like Edgewood Park. The towering redwood forests provide shaded and cooler environments, making them pleasant even during warmer months. Winter hikes are also possible, with the region's diverse woodlands offering beauty in every season.
Are there any longer, moderate hikes available?
Yes, for those looking for a longer, moderate hike, the Molly's Path – Bowness-on-Solway loop from Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve is a great option. This trail is 6.7 miles (10.8 km) long and typically takes about 2 hours 44 minutes to complete, featuring minimal elevation gain.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the trails?
Woodside's diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife. Hikers often spot various bird species, especially in areas like Edgewood Park, which is known for birdwatching. The region's rich biodiversity, part of the California Floristic Province, means you might encounter unique plant species and other local fauna.
Are there any trails with significant elevation gain for a more challenging experience?
While many trails in Woodside have gentle inclines, some offer more challenging terrain. For experienced hikers seeking rewarding panoramic views, Teague Hill Open Space Preserve features rugged trails with higher elevations overlooking the Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, some moderate routes like the Oddfellows Arms, Caldbeck loop from Westward include over 270 meters of elevation gain.
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