National Forest Way
A 74-mile long-distance walk in the North Midlands of England exploring the best of The National Forest, including ancient woodlands, hidden valleys, and industrial heritage. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SK 182 145
Distance: 74 miles (118 km)
Time: 30–37 hours
Duration: 5–7 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
233 Leicester and Hinckley
245 The National Forest
246 Loughborough, Melton Mowbray and Syston
Summary
The National Forest Way long-distance walking trail explores the highlights of The National Forest, extending over 74 miles from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire. The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, hidden valleys, along canal towpaths, visits the market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and celebrates the industrial heritage of this changing landscape at the heart of the Midlands.
Walkers will witness the area’s evolution from a rural landscape, through industrialization and its decline, to the modern-day creation of a new forest where 21st-century life is threaded through a mosaic of green spaces and settlements. Places visited on the route include Alrewas, Yoxall, Newchurch, Rangemore, Walton-on-Trent, Rosliston, Overseal, Conkers, Blackfordby, Smisby, Ticknall, Calke Park, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Packington, Normanton le Heath, Donington-le-Heath, Battram, Bagworth, Thornton, Groby, Bradgate Country Park, and Woodhouse Eaves.