Forge Valley lies near East Ayton, with its small ruined castle. The valley is one of the finest examples of mixed deciduous woodland in north-east England and the Forge Valley Woods National Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The valley was formed by rushing glacial meltwater following the last ice age but is named after the iron smelting which took place there.

Browse: East Ayton (nr. Forge Valley) Accommodation

The old quarries, cut through many layers of rock, now increase the interest of this magical place as a Dinosaur Geology Trail runs through the valley. Footpaths follow the young River Derwent as it wends along the valley and convenient car parks make this beautiful woodland easily accessible on foot.

Dinosaur Geology Trail (407 kb)

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