Pinewoods is about 96 acres of semi-natural woodland located about 1km south-west of Harrogate.
The original Scots pines, from which the site takes its name, were planted in 1796. The pines are still in evidence today, although it is unlikely any of the originals still exist.
Current species include:
- Scots pine
- birch
- holly
- English oak
- rowan
- common beech
- sycamore
- alder
- hornbeam
- spruce
- whitebeam
- yew
- hawthorn
- European larch
The site offers informal recreational areas and sites of conservational interest. As such, the woodland is managed by us and local volunteer groups to try to balance the recreation and conservation aspects of the site itself.
You can find out more about the work and aims of Pinewoods conservation group at their website. There is also a Pinewoods management plan to guide both the council and conservation group with all future plans for the site.
The site itself runs gently from north-east to south-west, with an overall fall of about 20m between the northern and southern boundary. The wood is characteristically wet at its lowest points during winter.
Orienteering
Supported by Claro orienteering club, we provide three permanent orienteering courses in Harrogate, one of which is at Pinewoods. The course is medium length, stretching through the Pinewoods.
Access
Access to the woodland is available via tarmac footpaths from the town centre and road links using public transport from Knaresborough.
Parking for cars is available off Crag Lane close to the wood at its most south-westerly point, but access by local residents is generally made on foot.
Although the Pinewoods is situated at the highest point in Harrogate, many of the paths through it are relatively flat. One of the most popular walks is that which links the Valley Gardens with the RHS Harlow Carr gardens in Crag Lane, which is locally referred to as either mile or memorial walk.
Information boards are located off Crag Lane, adjoining mile walk in the recreation area of the woodland and adjoining the war memorial where Pinewoods meets Valley Gardens. They highlight flora and fauna, events, paths, and points of interest.