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Pine marten discovery trail

North East

A pine marten is standing next to some mossy stones
Scottish pine marten | © Robert Cruickshanks

Follow this linear route around Wallington's woodlands and discover fascinating facts about these elusive creatures and their favoured habitats. Along the way you’ll find eight information panels created by the Vincent Wildlife Trust.

Start point

Wallington car park, grid ref: NZ 02629 84517

Trail information

Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.9 (km: 3.04)
Duration 30 mins to 1 hour 30 mins
Not suitable for dogs**
  1. *A relatively flat walk with some gentle slopes on gravel tracks or firm woodland paths.

  2. **Dogs welcome on a lead. For more info, see section marked Facilities.

  • Total stages: 6

    Total stages: 6

    Start point

    Wallington car park, grid ref: NZ 02629 84517

    Stage 1

    Starting at the far end of the main visitor car park, go through a small gate and pass a large information board about the Dragon Cycle trail. Further along this path you’ll find the first pine marten panel.

    Stage 2

    Keep on following the path down the hill as it curves towards a gate. Go through the gate and keep straight on, coming upon the second panel halfway along this straight section. Carry on the path and you’ll come to the Pine Marten information hide on your right hand side.

    Stage 3

    After visiting the hide, return to the main path and turn right. After a short while, you'll reach a wooden bridge. Turn left at the end of the bridge and follow the path as it weaves through the trees. Just after the next pine marten information panel, turn left signed the ‘West Wood Loop’, keeping the stone wall on your left hand side. Follow this path as it undulates around the edge of the woodland with fantastic views over farmland.

    Stage 4

    Follow the path through a gap in the wall and then take the first path on your right. Continue straight on, passing the Wildlife Hide on the left. Take the next path on the right, signposted ‘River Walk’. For a shorter route, head through the Wellbeing Woods, which will lead you directly to the next information panel. To walk the full route, follow step 5.

    Stage 5

    Keep right (avoiding the Wellbeing Woods) and follow the path as it undulates through woodland. This route is known as Fenwick’s Drive. Carry on until you see the next informational board. This is where the short route through the Wellbeing Woods rejoins the trail.

    Stage 6

    From the information board, continue to the end of the path by the stone wall. Turn left and carry on past the Play Train. The path dips down over a small stream. Continue straight ahead passing the Boathouse and Boathouse Pond. As the path begins to rise you’ll find the last pine marten information panel on your left, which is the end of the pine marten discovery trail. From here you can visit the play fort, Little Acorns play area and adventure play areas or explore the rest of the West Woods. Don't miss the Dragon Kiosk and wood-fired pizza trailer (seasonal opening) to refuel.

    End point

    West Woods above boathouse pond, grid ref: NZ 02662 84116

    Trail map

    Pine Marten Discovery Trail at Wallington - trail map
    Pine Marten Discovery Trail at Wallington - trail map | © ONS

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