National Forest Walking Festival: Guide from Burton

Discover the National Forest Walking Festival from Burton upon Trent

Each spring, outdoor enthusiasts, casual strollers, and avid hikers gather across the Midlands for the renowned National Forest Walking Festival. Spanning across 200 square miles of regenerating woodland, historic landscapes, and scenic waterways across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, the festival celebrates the transformative landscape of the National Forest. With dozens of guided walks catering to all paces and fitness levels, it is one of the most anticipated walking events in the regional calendar.

Burton upon Trent sits proudly at the western gateway to the National Forest. Staying in Burton provides effortless access to both countryside paths and waterside trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature by day and enjoy the vibrant dining scene of a historic market town by night. Whether you are taking part in official festival events or crafting your own self-guided rambles, Burton upon Trent is the perfect starting point.

Highlights of the National Forest Walking Festival

The festival offers an extensive programme designed to showcase the diverse beauty of the region. Walkers can choose from leisurely short strolls highlighting local history and wildlife, to challenging day-long treks covering multiple woodlands and waterways. Guided walks are typically led by knowledgeable local volunteers, rangers, and historians who share fascinating insights into the industrial heritage, flora, and fauna of the area.

Key themes of the festival include:

• Woodland Creation Trails: Witness how millions of trees planted over the past three decades have transformed former industrial and agricultural land into flourishing green spaces.
• River & Canal Heritage: Explore the rich network of towpaths along the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal, which once powered Burton's world-famous brewing trade.
• Wildlife & Nature Rambles: Spot kingfishers, herons, and deer in dedicated nature reserves and newly established bio-diverse habitats.
• History & Architecture Tours: Uncover the folklore, ancient monuments, and Victorian engineering that shaped East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.

Top Walking Routes Around Burton upon Trent

While the festival features programmed walks across the entire National Forest area, there are several outstanding trails right on Burton's doorstep that you can explore during your visit:

1. The Trent Washlands & Stapenhill Gardens

Starting just a short stroll from Burton town centre, the Trent Washlands trail hugs the banks of the River Trent. Cross the iconic Victorian Ferry Bridge and wander through Stapenhill Gardens, famous for its floral displays and landmark swan sculpture. This flat, scenic walk is ideal for a gentle afternoon ramble, birdwatching, and enjoying riverside views.

2. Branston Water Park

Located just a few miles south of town, Branston Water Park is a premier wetland reserve featuring a large lake, reed beds, and woodlands. The circular trail around the lake offers a tranquil walk with level paths, wildlife viewing screens, and informative boards detailing the area's transition from gravel pit to protected nature reserve.

3. Rosliston Forestry Centre

A cornerstone of the National Forest, Rosliston Forestry Centre lies just across the river in nearby South Derbyshire. It features a network of waymarked trails weaving through mature woodlands, newly planted groves, meadows, and hidden ponds. It is a fantastic hub for walks of varying distances, with trail maps available on site.

4. Trent & Mersey Canal Towpaths to Barton Marina

Follow the historic towpaths of the Trent and Mersey Canal heading towards Barton-under-Needwood. This peaceful waterside route leads directly to Barton Marina, where you can watch narrowboats, explore independent lakeside boutiques, and enjoy a refreshing break before your return journey.

Dining and Relaxing in Burton Town Centre

After a rewarding day on the trails, Burton upon Trent offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. The town centre, located just a short 5-minute walk from Three Queens Hotel, is home to a fantastic selection of traditional coaching inns, historic pubs serving world-renowned local ales, independent bistros, and international restaurants. Whether you are looking for hearty pub fare, authentic Italian cuisine, or a flavoursome curry, you will find plenty of welcoming eateries throughout the town.

Your Base for the Festival: Three Queens Hotel

Conveniently situated on Bridge Street on the A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton train station, Three Queens Hotel offers comfortable and restful accommodation for walkers taking part in the National Forest Walking Festival.

Our hotel features 62 well-appointed rooms, offering plenty of choice for solo travellers, couples, walking groups, and families. Room types include Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and our distinctive four-poster Suite. Every room is en-suite with a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, direct dial phone, and tea and coffee making facilities to help you unwind after a long walk.

Guests benefit from free on-site parking, making it easy to arrive by car and travel between different festival trailheads across the National Forest. We also provide free WiFi throughout the property so you can easily check route maps, daily weather updates, and festival schedules. Our reception is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to assist you at any time during your stay. We also offer daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service for your convenience.

Plan Your Walking Holiday Today

Whether you are tackling multiple miles each day or simply enjoying the peaceful greenery of Staffordshire and Derbyshire, the National Forest Walking Festival is a wonderful time to explore the region on foot. Ready to experience the natural beauty of the National Forest? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel online or contact our friendly team directly on 01283 523800 or via email at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk to arrange your walking getaway.

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