Bents Garden and Home Forest Walk
Walk CategoriesWalk Regions
The Bents Woodland Walk is a real hidden gem – in fact, plenty of people who regularly visit Bents don’t even realise this beautiful walk is right on its doorstep!
Starting from Bents Garden & Home, the route takes you out into Windy Bank Wood, through a lovely mixture of open meadow, established woodland and newer planting. It’s a peaceful countryside walk with plenty of space to chat, enjoy the fresh air and let little ones take in the sights and sounds of nature.
The route is around 3 miles and mostly flat, making it a great option for mums with prams. There are a few bumpier sections and the entrance we normally use isn’t suitable for double prams, but there is an alternative pram-friendly entrance available.
One of the best things about this walk is everything waiting for you when you finish. Head straight back into Bents for coffee, food or a wander around the garden centre, and there’s also a fantastic outdoor play area for little ones. It’s an easy walk to turn into a full morning or afternoon out.
Why We Love This Walk
“I love this walk because it’s such a hidden gem. I’d been to Bents so many times before I even realised there was a lovely woodland walk right behind it! The route has a really nice mix of woodland and open countryside, and I love that you can park for free at Bents, head out for a proper walk and then come straight back for a coffee, something to eat or a wander around. For me, it’s the combination of a lovely countryside walk and everything Bents has to offer afterwards that makes this one such a great morning or afternoon out“
Walking Mum – Azaira
Location
Windy Bank Wood, starting from Bents Garden & Home in Glazebury, near Culcheth.
Parking
Free parking is available at Bents Garden & Home, Warrington Road, Glazebury, Warrington, WA3 5NT.
The walk starts and finishes at Bents, so it’s really convenient if you want to stay for food, coffee or a browse afterwards.
Toilets
Toilets are available inside Bents Garden & Home. It’s a good idea to use these before setting off, as there aren’t toilets once you’re out on the woodland route.
Café Nearby
You’re spoilt for choice at Bents, with several places to stop for food and drinks.
The Pet Café is particularly handy as this is where we meet for the walk, and there are plenty of other dining options around Bents for coffee, cake or lunch afterwards.
Pram Friendliness
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
The walk itself is suitable for prams and follows mainly flat paths and trails.
Important: The wooden stile/entrance used on our usual Walking Mums route is narrow and is not suitable for a double pram. If you’re bringing a double pram, please use the alternative pram-friendly entrance to Windy Bank Wood.
Some woodland sections may also be slightly bumpy, so larger wheels or an all-terrain pushchair will make the walk easier.
Accessibility
The woodland itself has mainly flat, open paths; however, our usual entrance through the wooden stile creates an accessibility restriction.
An alternative entrance should be used by anyone who cannot comfortably pass through the stile.
Scenery
A lovely mixture of established woodland, newer woodland planting, open meadow and countryside. Tributaries of the Glazebrook River also run through the site, creating a peaceful natural environment with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.
Play Area
There’s a fantastic outdoor children’s play area at Bents, making this a brilliant walk for families with toddlers and older children.
It’s perfect for extending the day – walk first, then let the children play while you grab a coffee!
Picnic Spot
There are picnic benches at intervals around Windy Bank Wood, so there are plenty of places to stop for a snack or picnic.
Distance
Approximately 3 miles / 5.5 km. Allow around 1½ hours at Walking Mums’ relaxed social pace.
Terrain
Mostly flat woodland and meadow paths with a mixture of compacted and natural surfaces.
Some sections can be uneven or muddy following wet weather.
Best Age Group
Suitable for babies in prams, toddlers and older children.
The combination of a manageable woodland walk, café and fantastic play area makes this an especially good choice for families wanting to make more of a day of it.
Route Description
Meet outside The Pet Place / Pet Café entrance at Bents Garden & Home.
With The Pet Place behind you, turn left and follow the route away from Bents towards Windy Bank Wood.
Continue until you reach the wooden stile/entrance and pass through into the walking area.
Please note: This entrance is too narrow for a double pram. Double prams will need to use the alternative pram-friendly entrance.
Go through the stile into the meadow, continue straight through the 2nd gate.
Turn right onto the road and over the little bridge.
Once you’re on the main trail, continue along the path into Windy Bank Wood.
Follow the woodland route, taking the right-hand path whenever the trail gives you the option to turn right.
Continue following the right-hand paths as they take you in a loop through the woodland and surrounding countryside.
Keep following the loop until you eventually return to the path you originally entered on.
Retrace the short section back towards Bents and return through the Pet Place entrance.
Finish back at Bents for coffee, food, shopping or a visit to the play area.
**If you have a double pram you will need to walk along the main road in front of Bents down Warrington Road, turn right down Jennets Lane for the alternate entrance to Windy Bank Wood, you can then follow the instructions from Windy Bank Wood above**
Potential Risks
- Narrow wooden stile: The entrance normally used by Walking Mums is not wide enough for a double pram. Please use the alternative pram-friendly entrance if required.
- Woodland paths may be uneven, with tree roots, loose surfaces and natural obstacles.
- Some sections can become muddy and slippery following wet weather.
- The site is popular with cyclists, dog walkers and families, so please be mindful of other path users.
- Small waterways/tributaries run through the woodland. Children should be supervised around water.
- Take care when crossing or walking near any access roads.
- Fallen branches, leaves and other natural debris may be present on woodland paths.
- Children should be supervised at all times, particularly around the woodland and play area.
- Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the weather conditions.
Please note: These are new walks, so if you spot any errors or inaccuracies, please email hello@walkingmums.com; the potential risks listed are not comprehensive, so please also consider any specific risks for your family and the conditions on the day.
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