National Forest Walking Festival: Walks from Burton

Each year, outdoor enthusiasts, casual strollers, and experienced hikers gather to celebrate the great outdoors during the annual National Forest Walking Festival. Spanning across 200 square miles of emerging woodland across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, the National Forest represents one of the UK's most ambitious environmental transformations. Burton upon Trent stands proudly at the western gateway of this vibrant green landscape, making our historic brewing town the ideal base camp for your trail adventures.

Whether you are seeking gentle riverside paths, wildlife-rich wetland routes, or longer countryside circuits, stepping out into the National Forest from Burton upon Trent offers something for every pace and passion.

The National Forest Walking Festival: What to Expect

The National Forest Walking Festival typically runs over several weeks, featuring dozens of organised walks designed for varying levels of fitness. Supported by local councils, volunteer groups, and walking charities, the festival showcases the incredible biodiversity, heritage, and scenery of an area that has witnessed over nine million trees planted over the past three decades.

Led by knowledgeable volunteer guides, festival walks provide fascinating insights into local history, ancient woodlands, canal engineering, and wildlife conservation. Many routes are circular or start and finish near public transport hubs, giving walkers the freedom to explore the wider region without unnecessary hassle.

Scenic Trails and Walking Routes Around Burton

You do not have to venture far from town to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the National Forest. Several iconic walking destinations and festival routes can be picked up right from Burton upon Trent or reached within a few minutes by car or local bus.

The Trent Washlands and Stapenhill Gardens

Running alongside the River Trent, the Trent Washlands offer tranquil, traffic-free walking within effortless reach of Burton town centre. Stroll across the historic pedestrian Ferry Bridge to explore Stapenhill Gardens, famous for its ornamental swan sculpture, peaceful seasonal floral displays, and mature riverside trees. Following the riverside paths southward leads you into meadow habitats teeming with waterfowl, kingfishers, and native flora.

Branston Water Park and the Trent & Mersey Canal

Just a short journey south from central Burton lies Branston Water Park, a premier Local Nature Reserve developed from a former gravel pit. Featuring a picturesque lake surrounded by reed beds and woodland, it offers flat, level circuits that connect directly to the towpaths of the historic Trent & Mersey Canal. Walking along the canal allows you to admire restored narrowboats, canal bridges, and traditional waterside architecture that shaped the industrial past of the Midlands.

Rosliston Forestry Centre

Located just a few miles south-east of Burton, Rosliston Forestry Centre is one of the flagships of the National Forest. The site boasts a network of marked woodland tracks, tranquil fishing lakes, and hidden glades. Festival walks here regularly focus on birdwatching, forest bathing, and forestry heritage, making it a firm favourite for those who want to experience the modern heart of the forest.

Jackson's Bank and the Needwood Forest

To the west of Burton upon Trent lie the rolling landscapes of the ancient Needwood Forest. Areas such as Jackson's Bank offer delightful woodland walks through remnants of traditional oak and lime groves. In late spring, forest floors here are carpeted with bluebells, creating one of the most photographic walking backdrops in the entire region.

Fuel Your Walking Adventures in Burton upon Trent

Burton upon Trent has a rich heritage of brewing and hospitality, meaning walkers are never short of options when it comes to dining. After spending hours navigating scenic tracks, you will find an extensive variety of cafes, bakeries, tearooms, and international restaurants located within a short five-minute walk in Burton town centre.

Pick up freshly made sandwiches and baked goods from town centre shops in the morning to pack into your rucksack, or unwind in the evening at one of the town's renowned traditional pubs. Burton's historic public houses are celebrated across the UK for their cask ales and hearty pub menus, offering the perfect way to recharge your batteries while recounting the day's trail highlights with fellow ramblers.

Your Ideal Festival Base: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

Having a comfortable, hassle-free place to relax after miles on your feet is essential for any walking holiday. Situated on Bridge Street on the A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton railway station, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge provides the ideal base for the National Forest Walking Festival.

Walkers choosing to stay with us enjoy a host of practical amenities tailored for a comfortable break:

• Free On-Site Parking: Park your car safely on site at no extra charge, leaving you free to walk into town, catch public transport to trailheads, or drive directly to distant starting points across Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
• Spacious, Comfortable Accommodation: We feature 62 private en-suite bedrooms. You can explore our full selection of comfortable rooms, ranging from Single and Standard Double options to Executive Twins, spacious Family and Quadruple rooms, self-contained Mews Apartments, and our four-poster Suite.
• Private En-Suite Bathrooms: Every room includes its own private en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, providing a soothing hot shower or soak to ease tired muscles after a long trek.
• In-Room Comforts: Enjoy flat-screen televisions with Freeview and radio, direct dial phones, hair dryers, and tea and coffee making facilities to brew a warming drink the moment you return from the trails.
• 24-Hour Dry Cleaning & Laundry: Keep your walking kit fresh and ready for the next day's hike with our round-the-clock laundry and dry cleaning service.
• Flexible Reception Services: Our front desk is staffed from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, with a dedicated night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to assist whenever you arrive or depart.
• Stay Connected: Share your best trail photos and plan tomorrow's route with free WiFi available throughout your stay.

Book Your Walking Break Today

Whether you plan to join a single weekend guided hike or tackle multiple routes during the National Forest Walking Festival, Burton upon Trent offers unbeatable access to the best trails in the Midlands. Experience peaceful waterside rambles, ancient woodland paths, and the friendly welcome of our historic market town.

Ready to plan your walking getaway? Check room availability and book your stay online today, or contact our friendly team directly on 01283 523800 or via email at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk.

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