Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<p>Fancy scouting out an under-the radar walk this summer? Head for the quiet woodland trails and tracks of The National Forest. Sprawled across 200 square miles of the Midlands and passing through Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, the National Forest isn’t wall-to-wall trees, but more a mosaic of wooded landscape, villages and farmland. There are some stunning circular walks here and, the big bonus? They tend to stay blissfully quiet. Here are some of Muddy’s favourites.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/national-forest-1024x683.jpg" alt="national forest from the air" class="wp-image-12951" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birthday-walk-ibstock-leicestershire"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/the-birthday-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Birthday Walk</a>, Ibstock, Leicestershire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Kelham-Bridge-1020-002.jpg" alt="Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve Leicestershire" class="wp-image-57675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Kelham-Bridge-1020-002.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Kelham-Bridge-1020-002-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Kelham-Bridge-1020-002-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve</figcaption></figure>



<p>Created to mark the tenth birthday of the National Forest, this is a walk to really stretch your legs and you&#8217;ll need to allow yourself a good five hours to trip around the 17.5km of rough paths, tracks, woodland trails and farmland on this circular route that takes in the Sence Valley Forest Park and Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, as well as one of artist David Nash&#8217;s six Noon Columns dottted around the forest &#8211; 3-metre-high oak sculptures that allow the sun to shine through at ‘true’ noon each day. Worth timing your walk to check it&#8217;s still telling the time correctly. </p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong> <a href="https://www.cattowsfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cattows Farm</a> en route has a vast, light-filled tea room with panoramic views and an outdoor terrace. You can grab anything from a toastie to a salad bowl or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Well, a girl&#8217;s got to keep up her energy levels on these long treks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackbrook-beauty-walk-whitwick-leicestershire"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/blackbrook-beauty-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackbrook Beauty Walk</a>, Whitwick, Leicestershire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Walking-Festival-Charnwood-Peaks-0522-015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Walking-Festival-Charnwood-Peaks-0522-015.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Walking-Festival-Charnwood-Peaks-0522-015-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Walking-Festival-Charnwood-Peaks-0522-015-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Charwood Forest</figcaption></figure>



<p>From Charnwood’s famed rocky outcrops to the the glistening waters of Blackbrook Reservoir, this 6.8km walk is a mixture of oak-birch woodland, heathland and craggy terrain, so decent footwear recommended. At Mount St. Bernard Abbey, be sure to visit the brewery shop to sample the Tynt Meadow English Trappist Ale. </p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong> Next door to the Abbey, <a href="https://stjosephsruralcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Joseph&#8217;s Rural Centre</a> has a lovely traditional tearoom, shop and deli, where you can fill up on soup, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, toasties and cream teas. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coal-tips-to-country-parks-walk-bagworth-leicestershire"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/coal-tips-to-country-parks-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coal Tips to Country Parks Walk</a>, Bagworth, Leicestershire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Bluebells-Bagworth.jpg" alt="Bluebells National Forest Walks" class="wp-image-57690" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Bluebells-Bagworth.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Bluebells-Bagworth-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Bluebells-Bagworth-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This 17.5km walk passes through former coal mining sites which have been transformed into woodlands and country parks &#8211; Bagworth Heath Country Park is the site of the former Desford Colliery, an active coal mine from 1902 to 1984, now resplendent with native tree species &#8211; and beside the picturesque Thornton reservoir, once a key water source for the city of Leicester and now a refuge for wildlife. The walking terrain along the route is a mix of unsurfaced paths and tracks.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong> This walk is perfect for enjoying a spot of BYO <em>al fresco</em> dining, with a picturesque picnic area on the southern tip of Thornton Reservoir, so stock your rucksack with Red Leicester sarnies and Melton pork pies. Who needs a weighted vest?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-furnace-walk-moira-leicestershire"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/from-the-furnace-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">From the Furnace Walk</a>, Moira, Leicestershire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/RKP_National_Forest_443.jpg" alt="Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre" class="wp-image-57679" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/RKP_National_Forest_443.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/RKP_National_Forest_443-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/RKP_National_Forest_443-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hicks Lodge</figcaption></figure>



<p>Walking (and cycling) in the Leicestershire countryside isn&#8217;t <em>all</em> untouched pastureland, with plenty of industrial history to take in en route too, with the five-mile circular Moira Furnace walk exploring both the industrial and natural heritage of the area. The route takes you through new woodlands and wildlife habitats, as well as the Moira Furnace Museum, Ashby Canal and a former coal mining site that&#8217;s  been transformed into a forest cycle centre with woodland trails suitable for all levels. </p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong> Choices, choices. Grab a takeaway coffee at <a href="https://www.moirafurnace.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moira Furnace</a> museum or take the weight off at the <a href="https://groundscafe.uk/hicks-lodge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grounds Café</a> at Hicks Lodge, where you can enjoy coffee, homemade cakes, soups, stews and toasties looking out over the beautiful surrounding woods and lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spires-and-stiles-walk-coton-in-the-elms-derbyshire"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/spires-stiles-walk">Spires and Stiles Walk</a>, Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/image.png" alt="Coton Wood " class="wp-image-57704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/image.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/image-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/image-150x150.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/image-768x768.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/image-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Got an afternoon to spare? This meandering four hour walk through the prettiest spots in south Derbyshire should fit the bill. Pathways are mainly tracks, farmland and peaceful lanes past meadows, through woodlands and fields. The whole route runs for 14.5km.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop: </strong>Characterful country pub <a href="https://www.thebubbleinn.com/locations/bubble-inn-swadlincote/">The Bubble Inn</a> in Coton in the Elms has a sunny beer garden and is family and pooch-friendly. A couple of miles away, <a href="https://theswanatwalton.co.uk/">The Swan at Walton</a> is worth a short detour if you fancy refuelling in style, with seriously good food (the show-stopping Yakitori sticks are amazing) and whimsical, wow cocktails.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rosliston-forestry-centre-rosliston-derbyshire"><a href="https://www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk/?page_id=162">Rosliston Forestry Centre</a>, Rosliston, Derbyshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Rosliston-pond-dipping-1024x683.jpg" alt="kids pond dipping at Rosliston forestry centre derbyshire" class="wp-image-12953" /></figure>



<p>Perfect for little legs, this fab forest with adventure playground, ponds and boardwalks is a great spot for tailor-to-your-needs stroll. Pick from a series of waymarked walks (the 5km route of the weekly Parkrun is a Muddy favourite), or try a t<a href="https://www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk/?page_id=177">hemed trail</a> (such as the tree trail, science trail of teddy bear trail) to keep the kids happy. You should be able to pick up maps for these at the visitor centre).</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong><a href="https://www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk/?page_id=155"> The Hub Café</a> has panoramic views over the woodland, as well as a large outdoor seating area that makes it a top spot for a sunny day. Excellent organic coffee and a lovely selection of homemade cakes too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parklands-and-woodlands-walk-calke-abbey-derbyshire"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/parklands-and-woodlands-walk">Parklands and Woodlands walk</a>, Calke Abbey, Derbyshire </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/OldManCalke-natforest.jpg" alt="the old man of calke oak tree at calke abbey derbyshire" class="wp-image-13051" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Old Man of Calke</figcaption></figure>



<p>A gem of a walk that picks up the National Forest Way and showcases the best of the pretty parkland, meadows and deer park at Calke Abbey. Starting from the car park at Staunton Harold Reservoir it also gives you the perfect excuse to have a mooch around the gorgeous village of Melbourne (although you could start at Calke if you&#8217;re a National Trust member).  Allow about 2.5 hours to complete this 8.7km circular.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop: </strong>Pick from a clutch of cute cafés in Melbourne. Muddy loves the homemade bakes and artisan drinks at Muddy Award finalist <a href="https://www.teaat3.co.uk/">Tea at Three</a>. If it&#8217;s a cheeky post-stomp cocktail you&#8217;re after, duck into the stylish bar at <a href="https://amalfiwhite.com/">Amalfi White.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-deer-park-staffordshire"><a href="https://deerpark.farm/the-deer-park-farm-walk/">The Deer Park</a>, Staffordshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/DeerPark-1024x683.jpg" alt="woodland walk at the deer park hoar cross staffordshire" class="wp-image-13050" /></figure>



<p>A short hop over the Derbyshire border takes you to this magical under-the-radar 5km woodland walk, and there&#8217;s the bonus of a fab farm shop and café next the car park when you&#8217;re done. Start with a stroll past the small herd of red deer before ducking into the pretty woodland for an easy circular walk on woodland trails and farm paths. This one can be easily adapted for little legs too to make it shorter. Check out the trail map in the car park to scout out options.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong><a href="https://deerpark.farm/the-linhay/"> Café The Linhay</a> is a swish contemporary caf that makes the most of glorious views of the rolling hills and countryside. Think roast pork sarnies, smashed avo on rye and brilliant brunches. There&#8217;s a <a href="https://deerpark.farm/natures-canvas/">Mindfulness </a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"></h2>



<p><em><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/events/national-forest-walking-festival">The National Forest Walking Festival</a> takes place from 16-26 May</em> across south Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-walking-festivals-for-national-walking-month">More walking festivals for National Walking Month</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/chesterfield-area-walking-festival-2025/">Chesterfield Area Walking Festival</a></strong>, 10-18 May &#8211; Guided walks for all ages, from gentle hike to exhilarating hikes.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://walknotts.org.uk/walk-notts-festival/">Walk Notts Festival</a>,</strong> 1-31 May &#8211; From a bumble through Nottingham Arboretum to a sunset stroll around Vicar Country Park, there are walks-a-plenty to launch Nottingham&#8217;s first ever walking fest.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://staffsmoorlandswalkingfestival.co.uk/">Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival</a>, </strong>until 6 May &#8211; Peak District hikes, flower walks and folklore strolls. </p>


Forest bathe! 8 amazing walks in the National Forest

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