Ryton Wood is one of the country's largest surviving semi-natural ancient woodland.

Ryton Wood | Picturesque Woodland in Coventry

History of Ryton Wood 

Arguably the best of the Princethorpe Woods, Ryton Wood covers 85 hectares, has been designated as an SSSI and boasts an extensive list of notable species. Parts of Ryton Wood date back to the 11th century, so the land may have been wooded since the end of last ice age.

In Spring, primrose, wood anemone and yellow pimpernel carpet the woodland floor. The rides through the wood are grassy and bright, bringing extra light for plants such as barren strawberry and common spotted orchid. Broad-leaved helleborine grows well at the dappled edges of the rides. In the large, clear glades there are fabulous bluebell displays.  

What might you spot at Ryton Wood?

For bug-lovers there is plenty of variety to be found in the wood plus its one of the best sites for butterflies in Warwickshire. Species to be seen include white admiral, purple hairstreak and silver-washed fritillary. Regular recordings of moths have recognised an impressive 570 species, of which four are nationally scarce.

Accessibility

 Paths are wide and mostly flat, but please note they can be wet and muddy in places. Not ideal for a pushchair or wheelchair. 

Walking Trails

There is an extensive network of paths and rides in the wood and visitors are asked to keep to waymarked walks to avoid becoming lost. There is a popular Figure of Eight Walk which is waymarked, with lots to discover along the way!

Dogs

Dogs are permitted on a lead.

Parking at Ryton Wood

• If you're a member, you can use the car park through the padlocked gate on the track off A423 Oxford Road.
• Alternatively, you can park at Ryton Pools Country Park - just follow the signs to Ryton Wood!