Outdoor activities at Dudmaston

Published:: 20 September 2023

In the foreground is a young person cycling along the path through Comer Wood at Dudmaston, with a family member cycling behind, surrounded by woodland — Cyclists enjoying a bike ride in Comer woods. | © National Trust Images / John Millar

The trails in Comer Woods are open every day so you can get outdoors and experience the woodland at your own pace. The Explorer Trail is a multi-surface path open for walking, cycling and running. The all-year paths are also accessible for wheelchair users to get closer to nature. With parking nearby it’s the perfect place for all the family to explore.

Explorer Trail

The route offers a 3.5km safe off-road path through Dudmaston's stunning woodland. The circular trail has been designed with materials that will mean it can be enjoyed all year round, by a wide variety of users.

Easy access to woodland

In partnership with Sport England, the National Lottery and The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Dudmaston is part of a national project to provide multi-use trails, giving you the opportunity to explore more of the estate than ever before.

Get closer to nature

The trail will take you through ancient woodland, productive conifer plantations and heath meadow. Look out for woodland birds including wood pigeons and blue tits that like the shelter of the trees.

Visitor in a wheelchair playing with her dog at Hatfield Forest, Essex — Visitor playing with their dog on the Explorer Trail in Comer Woods at Dudmaston, Midlands | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Access for all

The Explorer Trail is multi-use, intended for walkers, runners, cyclists and adapted wheelchair users. The route is aimed at people who aren’t regularly taking part in activity and is suitable for families and less-experienced cyclists.

Shared use

Horse riders also share the woods, so please look out for one another and take note of which paths are suitable for your activity. Towards the end of the Explorer Trail, the route splits into two paths, one for walkers and one for cyclists. Both paths meet back in the car park.

For families

As more families visit Dudmaston, it’s important we can provide a safe place for you to enjoy the wider estate - somewhere for families to be active together in a safe, traffic-free environment.

Natural play

Stop off halfway along the trail at the Scout Camp. It’s a great place to pause for some outdoor games. A little further along the route, there's a great spot for den building.

Challenge your family to build the best woodland shelter before continuing on your way. Follow the tree stump stepping stone path as you head out for more adventures.

Children on balance bikes at Stourhead, Wiltshire — Children using balance bikes on the Explorer Trail in Comer Woods at Dudmaston, Midlands | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Bring your bikes

Bring your bikes and try out the new trail in Comer Woods. This mixed-surface route is perfect for families and anyone not quite ready for road cycling just yet.

Recommended equipment

Light layers
Sensible shoes
A cycling helmet

Running

Out for a jog? The Explorer Trail is 3.4km long - a good distance for beginners and little legs to try. The route is circular and begins and finishes in the car park.

Recommended equipment

Light layers
Sensible shoes

A glimpse of the house at Dudmaston between tall trees in spring

Discover more at Dudmaston

Find out when Dudmaston is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Established by Royal Charter in 1996, Sport England's vision is to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.

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The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) finances the EU's contribution to rural development programmes (RDPs).

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The Big Lottery Fund, now called the National Lottery Community Fund, awards money raised by National Lottery players to fund great ideas that help communities to thrive.

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The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides funding to public and private bodies in all EU regions to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities. The Fund supports investments through dedicated national or regional programmes.

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British Cycling is the main national governing body for cycle sport in Great Britain. It administers most competitive cycling in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

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