Walk the Treetops at Westonbirt

Artists Impression of the Treetop Walkway at Westonbirt Arboretum

For more than 50 years visitors to Westonbirt Arboretum have been enjoying its magnificent trees with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

But all that’s about to change with the unveiling of the exhilarating and much-awaited new Treetop Walkway - which whisks visitors into and above the leafy canopy for a breathtaking birds-eye view of the world-renowned tree collection.

Opening in spring 2016, the new 13 metre high walkway will transform the visitor experience by promising spectacular views across the arboretum landscape and enabling visitors to discover more about trees from high above the ground.

The 300 metre route follows a serpentine path through the trees and along the contours of the site, providing step free access into Silk Wood for people of all abilities, in addition to those using mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The impressive structure is made from Larch and Douglas Fir and includes over 20 pairs of timber legs, ranging in size from 2.5 metres up to 13.5 metres tall.

The walkway experience will also feature seven interactive hotspots to give visitors of all ages the chance to get up-close with nature and learn more about the fascinating world of trees.

Kids can scramble up to the crow’s nest to take in the views as well as swing along the rope bridge and peer through the mesh floored section to look down at the arboretum below. This section is not for the faint-hearted - but don’t worry; you can easily avoid it by choosing to walk on the other side!

The Treetop Walkway will begin a short walk from Westonbirt’s Welcome Building and will land in Silk Wood just past Willelsey Drive. There is no charge to access the Treetop Walkway; it will be included in the cost of admission.

www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Saltridge Woods (Credit: Ken Long)