Doddington Hall to Skellingthorpe Old Wood loop

Embark on the Doddington Hall to Skellingthorpe Old Wood loop, a moderate hike spanning 5.4 miles (8.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 132 feet (40 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 13 minutes. This route guides you through the ancient Skellingthorpe Old Wood, where mature oak, conifers, and hazel trees create a serene canopy. In spring, the woodland floor comes alive with bluebells, orchids, and lily-of-the-valley. Beyond the woods, you will enjoy picturesque views of the grand Elizabethan Doddington Hall and its manicured gardens. The terrain is largely flat, featuring well-maintained paths, gravel, and some road segments, offering a varied and accessible experience.

For your visit, many variations of this loop start from the Skellingthorpe Community car park. You can find refreshments at the Doddington Hall Farm Shop and Cafe, or nearby at The Plough Inn. The trail is dog-friendly, but please keep your dog on a lead to protect local wildlife. Be prepared for potential wet or muddy patches, especially after rain, as some sections are unpaved. Visiting in spring offers the added beauty of abundant wildflowers throughout the woodland.

Skellingthorpe Old Wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, steeped in history and rumored to have been a Viking haunt. As you explore, look for carved sculptures, including a distinctive archway entrance within the woods. The route also passes Doddington Hall, an impressive Elizabethan mansion built between 1593 and 1600, which is open to the public. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including buzzards, various woodland birds, and deer such as muntjac, roe, and red deer.