Hiking the National Forest Way, one step at a time.

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The National Forest Way was created in 2014 in an attempt to encourage hikers of all abilities to enjoy the stunning National Forest. It’s 75 miles of well signposted paths connecting Staffordshire to Leicestershire. Taking you through woodland young and old, across meadows and following canal paths. Yes, 75 miles sounds like an awful lot but the beauty of the National Forest Way is that it can be completed in stages. Most of which can be adapted to add a loop back to the beginning. We’ve done most of them, which I’ll detail below and I promise to keep adding specifics as we try out more. I would love to complete the full route in one some day soon.

national forest way sign

Hiking the Full National Forest Way

If you do want to hike the full route, you’ll need to schedule in some time. I recommend a week in total but this could be more or less depending on your agility levels. If you can set aside some more time then the whole route has 12 stages and it would be lovely to combine a good hike with a chance to explore the beautiful Midlands. The Way takes your through some delightful towns and villages ideal for staying over.

The trail is very well signposted but I recommend you print off maps before you start. These can be found on the National Forest Website. We’ve never found the paths to be particularly difficult, mostly it’s well maintained. You’ll come across a few elevations on the route but nothing too strenuous, just take it slow and steady. You’ll also be passing some fabulous attractions and villages which I’ll detail below. Try to factor in some time to explore as you go.

girl in yellow coat climbing over a wooden stile on the national forest way

Tips on hiking the National Forest Way.

The best tip I can give you really is to hike at your own pace. Do as many or as few stages as feels good.

The Way is easily signposted and is colour coded depending on which direction you’re hiking. Heading west it’s purple and East it’s orange. Follow the countryside code as you go, leave places as you find them, close all gates behind you and keep dogs under control. The arrows on the way markers are also colour coded to indicate what type of path you’re on. It’s yellow for a public footpath (walkers only), blue for a bridleway which also allows horses and cyclists and red to indicate all traffic.

Whilst The Way is fairly well signposted, they can at time be easy to miss. I always recommend taking a paper map, phone signal is not always guaranteed in the forest!

two people looking at a map

If you’re hiking the full way it’s going to be important to pack light, you’ll be carrying everything on your back. Make sure you plan and pre book accommodation before you set off. There’s no guarantee that farmers will let you camp in their fields.

You may want to get dropped off and picked up instead of having to leave a car somewhere and work out how to get back to it. You could also rely on public transport. The number 12 bus from Lichfield will get you to the National Memorial Arboretum. Lichfield is easily reached by train from Birmingham New Street.

National Forest Way stages.

Stage 1: Alrewas to Yoxall – 5 Miles.

You’ll begin the hike at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. This is one of my first recommendations to veer off route and spend some time exploring. Built to commemorate those who have lost their lives to war it’s a humbling yet uplifting place to spend a few hours viewing the many memorials. It’s also a great place for a lunch stop as it has a fabulous cafe.

Follow the footpath away from the Arboretum towards the A38, cross over and hike into Alrewas. Here you’ll find some lovely country pubs and independent shops. Head through the village till you make it to the canal. Keep going and cross over at the sign. If you want to add some extra miles you could complete this 4 mile Alrewas to Wychnor Loop. It’s then cross country until you reach Yoxall.

Stage 2: Yoxall to Rangemore – 7.5 Miles

This is one of my favourite stages of the hike as it takes in the glorious Needwood Forest and Jacksons bank, a wooded area owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. This is Staffordshire countryside at its best, home to remote villages, cosy pubs and acres of farmland.

You’ll be leaving Yoxall towards Hoar Cross, home to the famous Spa hotel and newly opened Deer Park Farm Shop and Cafe. A great place for a cheeky coffee and cake. You’ll be heading right just before you hit Hoar Cross Village and will pass the fabulous Meynell Ingram Arms where I highly recommend you stopping by for lunch.

Two girls walking along a path of tall trees at Jacksons bank

Next its up hill and through Jacksons Bank woods and on towards Rangemore in the heart of the Needwood Forest.

Stage 3: Rangemore to Branston Water Park – 4 Miles

This might just be the prettiest part of the walk as it takes in some amazing views at Battlestead Hill near Tatenhill village.

Walk through the Rangemore woods until you get to Tatenhill, cross the main road and follow the signs up to Battlestead. Then back down towards Branston Water Park. This is one of the largest areas of reedbed in Staffordshire and home to stunning wetlands where you’re bound to spot some amazing wildlife.

Stage 4: Branston Water Park to Rosliston – 5.5 miles

From the Water Park at Branston, you’ll be almost heading back on yourselves on the other side of the A38. You’ll soon reach the village of Walton on Trent. Which is home to a beautiful church and the fantastic Swan at Walton pub. If the timing is right, this is the place to stop for lunch, try one of their hanging kebabs, they’re amazing!

bridge with wooden square arch through trees

On leaving Walton it’s uphill for a bit until you reach the village of Rosliston. Try to factor in some time here to explore the Rosliston Forestry Centre. The National Forest Way will take you through the centre but it’s well worth exploring some of their sculpture trails and popping into the visitor centre.

sign at rosliston forestry centre infront of a lake with brown reeds

Stage 5: Rosliston Forestry Centre to Moira

The next stage loops you through the Forestry Centre towards the village of Caldwell and into the Grange More Estate. You’ll be heading towards Netherseal then left towards Overseal. Make sure to climb up Cadborough Hill for some amazing views across the National Forest. Then it’s on towards the village of Moira, home to the fabulous Conkers Adventure Centre, an outdoor adventure centre, hugely popular with kids and thrill seekers alike.

3 kids playing on an adventure playground at visit conkers

Stage 6: Moira to Hartshorne – 6.25 Miles

The views on this stage are absolutely fantastic as you’ll be following the hills above Hartshorne. This area has been lovingly restored from centuries of coal and clay mining to a beautiful wooded area. You’ll be passing through Feanedock Wood, Black Fordby and Smisby. Finally reaching the village of Hartshorne.

tall trees in autumn

Stage 7: Hartshorne to Ticknall – 5 Miles

This stage goes to the Northern-most point of the National Forest Way, the Hangmans Stone. It takes in the breathtaking rock formations at Carver’s Rocks and the beauty of the Foremark Reservoir. You’ll leave Hartshorne across the boardwalks at Hartshorne bog through farm and woodland. Then reach Foremark reservoir at its southernmost tip. Follow the reservoir, keeping the water to your left eventually heading right towards the village of Ticknall. Ticknall was, until recently part of the Calke Abbey Estate, another beautiful National Trust venue to visit whilst you’re in the area.

cake abbey stately home

Stage 8: Ticknall to Ashby de la Zouch – 7.5 miles

This one will take you through the Calke Abbey Estate and hopefully past its amazing herd of deer. This is another great place to break away from the hike. Calke Abbey is a stunning stately home, whilst lovingly protected by the National Trust they have left many of the rooms in the disrepair they found them in with peeling paintwork and curios from around the world. It’s been renamed as an “un-stately” home – which will make a lot of sense when you visit.

Next head through the Dimminsdale Nature Reserve and then along the Ivanhoe Way which will take you to beautiful Ashby de las Zouch with its 15th Century Castle.

Stage 9: Ashby de la Zouch to The Sence Valley, Ibstock – 5.75

This section of the route is home to some charming Leicestershire villages such as Packington and Normanton Le Heath. You’ll be heading through the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee wood before reaching Sence Valley Forest Park which was once an opencast coal mine. In 1998 100,000 trees were planted in this area which has transformed the park, making it a brilliant place for spotting some local wildlife.

young girl with curly hair swinging on a blue rope swing in the woods

Stage 10: Sence Valley to Thornton Reservoir – 7.5 miles

This stage is in the heart of coal mining country making it a unique landscape to explore. It takes in Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve with its stunning pools and floodplains alongside the Sence River. Next it’s on to Battram Wood before making it to Thornton Reservoir. If you can go a little further there is a lovely sculpture trail around the water which will add an extra 3 miles to your hike.

very muddy field with tractor trails running through trees under a blue sky

Stage 11: Thornton Reservoir to Bradgate Park – 6 miles

Stage 11 of the National Forest Way takes in some beautiful ancient woodland at Martinshaw Wood and the newer Pear Tree Wood which was created in 1997. You’ll finally get to Bradgate Park, a medieval Deerpark located in the Charnwood Forest. Many of the oak trees here are over 500 years old and you’ll likely see fallow and red deer wandering through the bracken.

Stage 12: Bradgate Park to Beacon Hill – 7.25

The final stage of the National Forest Ways is also one of the most impressive. You’ll pass some of the oldest rocks in Britain and the rocky outcrops provide some of the best views along the way. You’ll be heading through Swithland Wood and across Broombriggs Farm. Eventually reaching Beacon Hill Country Park. Here you’ll be 245 metres above sea level and surrounded by the unusual rock formations which make the area famous. It really is the perfect place to end your adventure.

Make sure you join the Marvellous Midlands Walks Facebook Group where you can share your favourite routes, photos and recommendations for walks in the Midlands. It’s also a great place to ask for recommendations and find inspiration for your next hike.

Make sure you pin for later for planning your hike along the National Forest Way.

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