Did you know that the oldest tree in the UK is between 2,000 and 9,000 years old? Steeped in mythology, it is one of the oldest living things in Europe. Step beneath the canopy of these majestic ancient trees on the National Cycle Network. After all, nature provides a place where science and magic intertwine.
The Major Oak Tree in Sherwood Forest. Credit: Shawn Williams, Getty Images.
The public outrage and heartbreak following the felling of Sycamore Gap Tree shows how deeply connected we are to the natural landscape around us.
Research has shown that trees release chemicals that strengthen our immune and nervous systems when we breathe them in.
They are vital to a healthy environment. They provide oxygen, capture carbon, reduce flooding and soil erosion and regulate the temperate.
Trees are often the subject of legend, folklore and mythology. They appear in stories that have been told by humans since the dawn of civilisation.
Ancient trees are trees that are uncommonly old for their species. They provide a home for a whole host of creatures and plant life, including birds, bugs, lichen and fungi.
Some of these trees stand close to the National Cycle Network. Have you visited any of them yet?
Fortinghall Yew Tree, Perthshire, Scotland - Route 7
Its roots spreading deep into the ground, the magnificent Fortinghall Yew lives in a churchyard in a village of the same name. The tree is a three-mile ride from Route 7 after it skirts the shores of Loch Tay.
The Fortingall Yew is thought to be the oldest tree in the UK. It’s a great place to stop and reflect in the peaceful landscape of the central highlands of Scotland.
Roslin Sweet Chestnut Tree, Midlothian, Scotland - Route 196
Roslin Glen County Park contains the largest area of ancient woodland in Midlothian. Among the trees lives the Roslin Sweet Chestnut. This ancient giant isn’t far from Rosslyn Chapel, built in 1446, featuring some interesting symbolism in its stonework.
The park is a little detour across the River North Esk from Route 196, a traffic-free route meandering south-west from Bonnyrigg.
Newport Bay, Pembrokeshire Coastline. Credit: WLDavies at Getty Images Signature.
The Mamilhad Yew, Monmothshire, Wales - Route 49
Route 49 takes you along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal towpath. A detour along Folly Lane into the village of Mamhilad will bring you to a yew tree estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
The Mamhilad Yew stands in a churchyard. Known as a symbol of immortality, the yew tree has stood guard in many churchyards around the UK for centuries.
The Mamhilad Yew is now a collection of at least seven secondary trunks as the original has disintegrated. It’s worth the brief detour from the towpath, and the pub directly opposite is a great place for refreshment.
The Bleeding Yew of Nevern, Pembrokeshire, Wales - Route 82
This tree also lives in a churchyard and has a rather macabre appearance. The yew oozes a blood-red sap, with a consistency similar to blood. Explanations for the sap range from rainwater stained by the wood inside the tree, to the tree weeping until world peace is achieved.
Route 82, stretching from Bangor to Fishguard, takes you along the Nevern River (or Afon Nyfer) and through the village of Nevern. Stop off at the church to view the Bleeding Yew, and spend some time admiring carvings in the church that are over a thousand years old.
Research shows that trees release chemicals that strengthen our immune and nervous systems when we breathe them in. Credit: pabradyphoto at Getty Images.
The Belvoir Oak, Belfast, Northern Ireland - Route 9
A trip into Belvoir Park Forest from Route 9 in Belfast will bring you to the oldest oak in Northern Ireland. The Belvoir Oak is over 500 years old and is surrounded by woodland sprawling along the bank of the River Lagan. The area is full of wildlife, including red squirrels. If you’re lucky you might spot an otter.
There are plenty of walking routes through the area and the Lagan Towpath along the river takes you into the heart of the city of Belfast.
Views across Greenwich Park, London. Credit Howard Ng at Getty Images.
The Greenwich Spanish Sweet Chestnut, London - Route 1
The gnarled sweet chestnut in Greenwich Park was planted at the request of King Charles II, making it almost 400 years old. Whether picnicking in its shade after a summer ride or gathering chestnuts during an autumnal amble, the Greenwich Spanish Sweet Chestnut is a joy to behold.
The Major Oak, Nottinghamshire – Route 6
According to folklore, the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is where Robin Hood and his merry men hid from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Nowadays, this enormous tree is propped up with wooden poles to support the weight of its branches.
A trip along Broad Drive from Route 6 will take you right past the Major Oak. The tree itself is fenced off for its protection. However, the surrounding forest is the perfect spot for a bit of forest bathing: relaxing beneath the emerald canopy above.
Looking out across Dartmoor on Drake's Trail. Credit: Sustrans.
The Meavy Oak, Devon - Drake's Trail and Route 272
Between Yelverton and Sheepstor is a village called Meavy, home to the Meavy Royal Oak. At least 900 years old, this leaning giant has an annual summer fair named after it.
It’s a small detour from Route 27 (Devon Coast to Coast) or 272, skirting the western slopes of Dartmoor. There’s a bench beneath the tree – the perfect place to rest awhile during your outdoor adventures.
The Grantham Oak, Lincolnshire – Route 15
The Oak of Belton Lane, or the Grantham Oak, has been around since Joan of Arc. Towering above nearby houses in the village of Grantham, this oak is worth a visit if you’re walking, wheeling or cycling along Route 15.
Oak trees support more biodiversity than any other British plant so you might spot an abundance of wildlife among the leaves.
