Guide to the National Forest Walking Festival in Burton

Discover the National Forest Walking Festival

Spanning 200 square miles across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, The National Forest represents one of the UK’s most ambitious environmental initiatives, transforming former industrial landscapes into vibrant green woodlands. Each spring, the annual National Forest Walking Festival celebrates this unique transformation with dozens of guided walks designed for every level of fitness. From scenic rambles through young oak woodlands to historical heritage walks charting the industrial and brewing history of the region, the festival showcases the incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area.

Burton upon Trent sits proudly as one of the primary gateways to this expansive green landscape. With the River Trent flowing right through the town and the ancient Trent & Mersey Canal weaving alongside it, Burton offers immediate access to waterside trails, wildlife nature reserves, and pastoral paths that link directly to festival routes.

Top Trails and Highlights Around Burton upon Trent

Whether you join an organised festival group or embark on a self-guided exploration, the countryside surrounding Burton boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes:

• The Burton Washlands: Located just a brief stroll from the town centre, this stunning local nature reserve borders the River Trent. It features tranquil floodplain meadows, sculpture trails, and rich birdlife, serving as a gentle introduction to walking in the valley.
• Branston Water Park: Just south of Burton, this premier local wetland reserve was created from a former gravel pit. Today, it hosts flat gravel paths, a large lake, woodland sections, and reed beds teeming with waterfowl.
• Rosliston Forestry Centre: A cornerstone of The National Forest, Rosliston features extensive woodland trails, hidden carvings, bird hides, and tranquil fishing ponds, making it a favourite stop during the walking festival.
• Trent & Mersey Canal Towpath: For lovers of industrial heritage, the canal towpath provides miles of level, traffic-free walking lined with historic narrowboats, historic bridges, and canal locks.
• Stapenhill Gardens and Woodland Walks: Cross the historic Ferry Bridge from Burton to wander through Stapenhill Gardens, famous for its iconic floral swan, before connecting with woodland tracks along the eastern bluffs overlooking the Trent valley.

Why Burton upon Trent Is the Ideal Walking Festival Base

Location is paramount when planning a walking holiday, and Burton upon Trent provides unbeatable transport links. Situated along the major A38 corridor, Burton lets you reach festival hubs across Staffordshire and South Derbyshire in minutes. For those travelling by public transport, Burton railway station is just one mile away, connecting smoothly to Birmingham, Derby, and beyond.

After completing a 10-mile ramble or an afternoon nature walk, you will appreciate being close to the town centre. A brief five-minute stroll takes you into the heart of Burton upon Trent, where you can explore a wide variety of independent cafes, local eateries, and world-famous historic brewing pubs serving locally crafted ales and hearty evening meals.

Rest and Recharge at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

After a full day out on the trails, you need a comfortable and peaceful base to relax, take off your hiking boots, and rest your legs. Three Queens Hotel & Lodge, located at 1 Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, is designed to provide just that. With 62 private en-suite bedrooms, our property caters to solo hikers, couples, and walking groups alike.

We feature a versatile range of accommodation options, including Single rooms, Standard Doubles, Executive Doubles, Standard Twins, Executive Twins, Family rooms, Quadruple rooms, a self-contained Mews Apartment, and a four-poster Suite. You can view our full selection of rooms and suites to find the ideal layout for your trip. Every room is equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, flat-screen television with Freeview and radio, and direct dial telephone.

We know how essential a hot cuppa is after hours spent outdoors, which is why every room comes with tea and coffee making facilities. Guests also enjoy free high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel, allowing you to review your trail maps, check the festival schedule, and plan the next day's route with ease.

For outdoor enthusiasts travelling with walking gear, Three Queens Hotel offers significant practical conveniences. We provide free on-site parking for our guests, so you can leave your vehicle securely parked without worrying about finding a spot after a long day in the hills. If your walking clothing gets damp or muddy along the trail, take advantage of our 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service, alongside our daily housekeeping, to keep your kit fresh throughout your stay.

Our reception is open from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm to assist with check-in and local directions, supported by a night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, ensuring assistance is available around the clock.

Tips for Your Walking Festival Break

To get the most out of your visit to the National Forest Walking Festival, keep the following practical advice in mind:

• Book Guided Walks Early: Popular festival walks often require pre-registration due to limited group sizes, so secure your spot on the official festival schedule well in advance.
• Layer Up: British spring weather can be unpredictable. Pack lightweight waterproofs, breathable base layers, and sturdy walking footwear that can handle mixed terrain.
• Sample the Town’s Dining Scene: While the hotel does not serve food, Burton upon Trent is filled with charming bakeries, morning coffee spots, and welcoming evening venues just a 5-minute walk away where you can pick up trail snacks or celebrate a finished hike.

Get ready to lace up your boots and explore the scenic trails of Staffordshire. Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel today and make the most of the National Forest Walking Festival.

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