May is National Walking month and what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by participating in the National Forest Walking Festival!
This popular annual event, now in its 15th year features a variety of trails and experiences for all walking levels and abilities, and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Forest.
This year’s festival, spanning 18th to 30th May, boasts a record-breaking 94 walks, inviting you to delve into the captivating stories that have shaped the landscape.
Rooted in the heart of the country the Forest spans 200 square miles across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and East Staffordshire, and holds a remarkable history waiting to be discovered.
It stands as a testament to landscape-scale transformation. From once being dominated by black coalfields and grey clay pits, the Forest has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of green canopies and wildlife-rich habitats.
Today, it is still one of the boldest environmentally led regeneration initiatives, showcasing the transformative power of trees in rejuvenating landscapes, fostering communities, and stimulating economic growth.
As you traverse the scenic routes, you can journey through time, uncovering the geological wonders beneath your feet.
You can immerse yourself in tales of stately homes and their ancestral families, and gain insights into how the industrial past has left an indelible mark on the Forest.
Cllr Dennis Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “We are so lucky in East Staffordshire to have such beautiful outdoor spaces on our doorstep. I would encourage residents and visitors to the Borough to take full advantage of the wide range of events taking place throughout this year’s Walking Festival.”
For more information and to explore the diverse range of walks available, please visit https://www.nationalforest.org/visit/national-forest-walking-festival where you can download a full itinerary.
East Staffordshire walk highlights:
Saturday 18 May – Walk No.3 – Branston Leas and Tucklesholme Nature Reserves
Start time 10am Leisurely 5 miles, 3 hours, 0 stiles
STARTING POINT Riverside Hotel, Branston DE14 3EP Car park on site
A gentle stroll along the River Trent and its adjacent habitats. Our route will take us from Branston Leas Nature Reserve to the wetland reserve at Tucklesholme
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Tuesday 21 May – Walk No.27 – How the Trent Made Burton
Start time 6pm Leisurely 2 miles, 2 hours, 0 stiles
STARTING POINT Meadowside Leisure Centre DE14 1TL Car park adjacent to the Meadowside
A leisurely guided walk around the diverse Burton upon Trent Washlands, by the Burton Conservation Volunteers.
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Wednesday 22 May – Walk No.31 – Rolleston on Dove Wellbeing Walk
Start time 10.30am Easy Access 2.5 mile, 1 hours, 0 stiles
STARTING POINT Outside Spread Eagle Pub, DE13 9BE
A walk through the picturesque village of Rolleston on Dove and take in the various sights from the Alder Brook stream to the surrounding countryside. Also the home of the Jinnie Trail, a rural walk through a man-made valley where you can see parts of the old station.
Booking essential: 01283 372 970 Ext 20604
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Wednesday 22 May – Walk No.38 - History of Scalpcliffe Woods evening walk
Start time 6pm Moderate 1.5 miles, 1 hour, 0 stiles
STARTING POINT Entrance is next to Rider House, Stapenhill Road, Burton on Trent, DE15 9AE
Climb the steps, through the ancient woodland where Albury House used to exist. Up a steep hill which can be slippery when wet. Enjoy excellent views on the other side of the hill.
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Thursday 23 May – Walk No.40 – Barton Lakes & Canals
Start time 10am Leisurely 5 miles, 2.5 hours, 3 stiles
STARTING POINT Barton under Needwood Village Car Park DE13 8AF
A leisurely walk, via village footpaths, overseeing some newly formed lakes and onto Tatenhill Lock and return to the village via the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Booking essential: Tel: 07598 546 380
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Saturday 25 May – Walk No.56 – Monks & Moorings
Start time 10am Moderate 6.8 miles, 3.5 hours, 1 stile
STARTING POINT Branston Water Park DE14 3HD Car park on site
Witness how the Trent and Mersey Canal played a part in the town's industrial history and how old gravel workings have been transformed into a nature reserve, now bustling with birdlife. You will pass the historic Sinai House, enjoy wonderful views from the Needwood scarp, walk through ancient woodlands and complete the links with the future by visiting new woodlands planted as part of the developing National Forest.