Guide to the National Forest Walking Festival from Burton

Step into Nature with the National Forest Walking Festival

Each year, outdoor enthusiasts, casual strollers, and avid ramblers gather across the Midlands for the renowned National Forest Walking Festival. Spanning across 200 square miles of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, The National Forest represents one of the country's most ambitious environmental transformations, turning former industrial and coalfield landscapes into lush, thriving woodlands and wildlife habitats.

Whether you want to challenge yourself with long-distance treks, discover hidden local heritage, or enjoy gentle nature walks along peaceful waterways, the festival offers an incredible programme of guided and self-guided routes for all fitness levels. Located right on the western threshold of The National Forest, the historic brewing town of Burton upon Trent is an ideal launching pad for your walking holiday.

Top Walking Routes & Highlights Around Burton

Burton upon Trent provides immediate connections to scenic river paths, ancient woodlands, and tranquil canal corridors that weave directly into The National Forest trail network. When you base your trip here, several iconic walking spots are just moments away:

• The Washlands and River Trent: Just a short stroll from central Burton, the Washlands offer level, scenic riverside walking where you can spot wildfowl, cross historic footbridges, and soak up tranquil views along the Trent Valley waymarked trails.
• Branston Water Park: Situated just south of town, this premier local nature reserve features a picturesque lake created from a former gravel pit. It offers peaceful woodland walks, reedbed paths, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Rosliston Forestry Centre: Located a short drive across the river, Rosliston is a premier hub of the National Forest. The site features extensive woodland trails, hidden sculptures, tranquil fishing lakes, and direct access to longer forest walks.
• Trent & Mersey Canal Towpath: Perfect for continuous, flat walking, the canal towpath allows you to explore the industrial heritage of the Midlands, following narrowboats through quiet locks and leafy green corridors.
• Jackson's Bank and the Needwood Forest: Explore fragments of the historic ancient royal hunting forest, where mature oaks, sweeping vistas, and carpeted bluebell woods welcome hikers during the spring festival period.

Dining Out in Burton Town Centre

A full day on the trails is sure to work up a hearty appetite. While Three Queens Hotel does not offer on-site dining or breakfast, our prime location at 1 Bridge Street places you just a 5-minute walk from the bustling town centre of Burton upon Trent. Here, you will find an extensive variety of places to eat and drink throughout the day and evening.

Burton is world-famous as the home of British brewing, meaning you are never more than a few minutes away from traditional pubs, historic taverns, and craft ale houses serving classic pub meals. In addition, the surrounding streets boast independent cafes, bakeries, international restaurants, and well-known eateries catering to every taste. You can easily pick up a fresh morning coffee and bakery treat before heading out to your morning meeting point, or unwind in town with a well-earned evening dinner after completing your trail.

Rest and Recover at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

After miles of traversing forest paths and canal banks, having a restful, welcoming place to unwind is essential. Three Queens Hotel & Lodge offers 62 comfortable, private rooms designed to help you recharge in complete peace.

Every guest room features a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, free WiFi, a direct dial phone, a hair dryer, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities so you can enjoy a hot drink at any time of day. We offer a versatile range of comfortable room types to accommodate solo ramblers, couples, and hiking groups alike, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and our four-poster Suite.

To make your walking holiday as effortless as possible, we provide practical amenities tailored for active travellers:

• Free On-Site Parking: Avoid the stress of finding town centre parking. Guests benefit from complimentary parking on site, making it simple to drive to rural trailheads across the forest.
• Convenient Location: Situated on the A38 corridor and just 1 mile from Burton railway station, reaching us by car or public transport is straightforward.
• Laundry & Dry Cleaning: Keep your walking kit fresh throughout the festival with our convenient 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.
• Reception & Security: Our front desk reception is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am for total peace of mind.
• Daily Housekeeping: Return from your forest adventures each afternoon to a clean, refreshed room.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Walking Festival

To make your visit during the National Forest Walking Festival smooth and memorable, keep these simple guidelines in mind:

• Book Festival Walks in Advance: Many guided festival walks have limited capacities to preserve trail ecology and ensure group safety. Check the official festival programme and reserve your place early.
• Pack for All Weather: British springtime can bring sunshine and rain in the same afternoon. Sturdy waterproof walking boots, breathable layers, and a light waterproof jacket are essential.
• Carry Trail Snacks & Water: While many walks stop near local village pubs or tea rooms, packing high-energy snacks and a reusable water bottle ensures you stay hydrated between rest stops.

Plan Your Walking Holiday Today

Experience the beauty, history, and community spirit of the National Forest Walking Festival from the comfort of Burton upon Trent. Whether you are tackling strenuous multi-mile treks or taking relaxed woodland strolls, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge provides the quiet, dependable base you need.

Ready to hit the trails? Book your stay online or contact our friendly team directly on 01283 523800 or via email at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk to arrange your walking holiday accommodation.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.