Forest bathing at Brighstone Forest

Brighstone Forest is the largest forest on the Isle of Wight, managed by Forestry England on a lease. It runs along the high chalk ridge that forms the Island's backbone, over Brighstone, Westover and Rowborough Downs, and with neighbouring Shalcombe Down it covers about 482 hectares. The Tennyson Trail and the Worsley Trail meet on Brighstone Down, and at 214 metres the open downs give views down to the south coast.

Most walkers start at the Jubilee car park on Lynch Lane or at Calbourne Bottom. The tracks through the woods are bridleways and forest roads, with some steep climbs, so allow time. This is a place of contrasts: sheltered rides under the trees, then heath, gorse and open sky on the tops. The woodland stretches are the quieter choice on a windy day. Mountain bikers use the forest too, so expect to share the main tracks.