Walk 4
This 4 night walking holiday takes you through the peaceful Staffordshire countryside north of Lichfield. Whilst much of the walk is in the Trent Valley, expect gentle rolling hills as you leave the valley towards the ancient area of Needwood. This walking holiday passes through the National Memorial Arboretum, which is a spectacular venue to explore in every season. Discover the stories behind the sculptures and take time to admire the many artworks. The little city of Lichfield is easy to explore on foot and is full of interesting places to explore. The city also has a deservedly excellent reputation for being home to many fabulous restaurants, as well as a monthly street food market and annual food festival. Relax at the end of your day's walk with a drink sitting outside on the sunny boardwalk at bustling Barton Marina, where you will find bars, cafes, independent shops and even a little cinema. Follow the tranquil River Trent as it winds through the countryside and nature reserves towards Burton upon Trent, the birthplace of beer. The river path takes you to the centre of town, where you will find the National Brewery Centre home to the famous Bass shire horses.
NIGHTS
4
DAILY MILEAGE
10 - 12 miles
AVAILABILITY
Start any day, all year
ACCOMMODATION
Very comfortable ensuite rooms in traditional village pubs
Bed and Breakfast
PRICE
£545.00
Price includes
Ensuite accommodation on a b&b basis, car parking, luggage transfer when moving hotels, detailed self-guide route to follow at your own pace. We're on hand to offer local support when required
Price excludes
Travel to your holiday starting point. Entry to attractions. Single supplement. Dinners. Extra nights. Travel insurance
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Discovering the stories behind the memorials at the spectacular National Memorial Arboretum.
Relaxing at the canalside cafes and pubs along the way.
Looking out for a kingfisher as you walk along the banks of the River Trent.
Walking through unspoiled Staffordshire countryside.
Exploring the pedestrianised streets in the little city of Lichfield.
Admiring the Shire Horses at the National Brewery Centre.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Tonight's stay is a traditional pub in the heart of Yoxall village. Expect spotless rooms and hearty pub fare. Depending on arrival day, we would recommend a short walk to the Forest Harvest Garden, just outside Yoxall. First planted in 1990, this is one of the oldest forest gardens in the UK. Craft workshops take place in the gardens throughout the year. You could even create your own notebook from materials foraged in the woodland. We will meet you when you have settled in and answer any questions that you might have.
Day 2: Today your walking holiday will take you to the little city of Lichfield. Following the National Forest Way and the Way of the Millennium your route takes you across country to the village of Alrewas, where you join the Trent and Mersey canal towpath. The bustling Fradley Junction is a favourite place for walkers and cyclists to enjoy a coffee sitting outside by the canal. As you near Lichfield, your walking route takes you past Curborough Countryside Centre, home to a number of local artists and crafts people. Your walk takes you directly to the centre of Lichfield, where you will stay tonight. Most of the city centre is pedestrianised and it is easily explored on foot.
Visit the 3 spired gothic cathedral, wander around the Minster Pool, enjoy the delightful medicinal garden at Erasmus Darwin House and learn about the history of Samuel Johnson at his birthplace, which is now a museum. You will find many places to eat tonight. We will of course share the details of our favourite places.
Day 3: After leaving Lichfield, you will join the Coventry Canal, a short distance from the city centre. Quiet lanes and tracks will lead you to the spectacular National Memorial Arboretum. Take your time to explore the venue, where you will find almost 400 different memorials, each with a story to tell. A path leads from the NMA over the river and through the valley towards the Trent and Mersey Canal. A short distance along the canal you will come to bustling Barton Marina. Small shops, cafes and bars line the wide, sunny boardwalk, which is the perfect place to relax with a late afternoon drink, whilst watching the world pass by. From here it is a short walk to the village centre and the traditional pub, which is your home for the night.
Day 4: Today's walk takes you to the banks of the River Trent, where you will walk through old gravel pits, which are now a vast nature reserve. Joining the beautiful river path, look out for kingfisher as you walk towards Branston and the outskirts of Burton on Trent. The route takes you directly past your hotel, which sits on the banks of the River Trent, beside the nature reserve. However, we suggest continuing to follow the pretty river path all the way into the centre of Burton upon Trent. Here you can learn about the history of beer making at the National Brewery Museum. Admire the spectacular riverside floral displays as you meander back to the hotel, along the river bank.
Day 5: into rolling Staffordshire countryside, unchanged for generations. Much of the walk follows the National Forest Way, though a water nature reserve and across the canal. Walking through estate land, admire the pretty Dunstall Estate village. The ancient church in the village offers a wonderful view over the countryside and is a favourite picnic stop with walkers. Keen footballers may wish to follow a longer route from here to visit St George's Park, the training home for England football. Alternatively, your walking holiday ends with a walk across fields, back to your start point in Yoxall.