Holmewood Woodlands

'Holme Wood' was destroyed by the development of the colliery.

Today Holmewood Woodlands provide opportunities to wander through woodland and grassland areas. The footpaths continue across a farmed landscape into the historic countryside of Stainsby village, Stainsby Mill and Hardwick Hall. 

The woodlands provide habitat for a variety of birdlife such as Kestrel, Long-tailed Tit and Greenfinch. Butterflies such as Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue utilise the grassland areas, while various dragonflies can be seen around the pond in summer.

The Astwith Circular Walk, a route of 5.5 miles can commence from Holmewood Woodlands. This walk visits the villages of Astwith and Hardstoft before returning to the Five Pits Trail near Locko Plantation.

From Holmewood Woodlands the trail goes north to Williamthorpe Ponds (1.25 miles) and Grassmoor Country Park (3.25 miles). South of Holmewood Woodlands are Locko Plantation (1.5 miles) and Tibshelf Ponds (4 miles).