Walking is ideal for the build up of stamina. By maintaining a steady, rhythmic pace, you will be exercising the heart and lungs, and improving your aerobic fitness. Through ‘aerobic type’ exercise, like walking, the body releases chemicals that can help you to feel good and relieve the symptoms of stress. Regular slow, long distance exercise is the best for weight control. Ideally you should be aiming to walk at a brisk pace for 20 - 30 minutes without becoming breathless.

As with any form of exercise, it is important to build up gradually. Start off with the short route if you are not used to walking the longer distances. If you haven’t exercised for some time and/or you have a health condition that might be aggravated by exercise, then check with your GP before continuing with these walk routes.

Please remember to dress for the weather and take refreshments with you. Strong waterproof footwear is recommended to be worn and warm waterproof clothing should be available should the weather try to catch you out.

Barton & Dunstall in the dale

This walk ambles through beautiful countryside and gives views across the Trent Valley catering for many fitness levels and has a choice of three routes. This walk can also be linked to the ‘Battlestead and Back’ walk. The White Lion well head located at Dunstall, postcode DE13 8BE is quite often used as a clue in treasure hunts.

Barton & Dunstall Walk Leaflet

Sawmill Route
2.5 miles (4km) 1.5 hours. A relatively short route, with some gentle gradient climbs, passing Dunstall Sawmill and Dunstall Church.

Sprinks Barn Route
3.5 miles (5.6km) 2 hours. This route includes a climb on to a ridge just North of Sprinks Barn which is rewarded with views back towards Needwood Forest.

Highlands Park Route
4.5 miles (7.2 km) 2.75 hours. This route climbs to the ridge further north, giving spectacular views of the Trent Valley between Cannock Chase and Burton.

Woodlands and Washlands

This circular route is 3 miles (5km) 1¾ hours. The walk is relatively short with a certain amount of walking in built up areas. The walk does incorporate some climbing to high points and some flights of steps, but is rewarded with good views across Burton and its surrounding countryside.

Woodlands and Washlands Walk Leaflet

Ellastone and the Weavers

Ellastone is on the B5032 seven miles north of Uttoxeter. This walk is suitable for abilities from the beginner to the hardened rambler.

Ellastone and the Weavers Walk Leaflet

Calwich Abbey Route
2.5 miles (4km) 1.5 hours – a gentle stroll with few gradients, the ideal introduction to the landscape surrounding Ellastone. Features charming countryside, some interesting flora and fauna. Ellastone’s historic church and the ruins of Calwich Hall.

Michael's Lane Route
3.7 miles (6km) 2.5 hours – an interesting addition to the Calwich Abbey circuit, incorporating a few gentle climbs and descents. Walk along a ‘green road’, learn of the vanished Wootton Hall and enjoy the peace and quiet of this agricultural landscape.

Weaver Hills Route
7.5 miles (12km) 4 hours – a longer and hillier route for the reasonably fit. The upper section of this route ascends into genuine ‘hill country’. Weather conditions are liable to sudden change and you may be exposed to strong winds or rain and appropriate waterproofs and walking boots are essential. Additionally, this route crosses rocky ground and includes a very steep descent from the summit of the Weavers.

Battlestead & Back

1.7 miles (1 hour) 3.1 miles (1¾ hours) or 4.2 MILES (2½ hours) This circular walk starting at Branston Water Park, takes you across beautiful countryside to Tatenhill Common.

If you’re feeling energetic you can either continue on the Barton & Dunstall walk or follow the Monks & Moorings (this route has now been adopted by the National Forest Company) route to Shobnall. Please note the permissive footpath between points 16 to 18 has now been closed. If continuing along this route please use the edge of the roadway. Please take great care as the traffic along this road travels extremely fast in both directions. Perhaps a safer route would be from point 15 through to 8 and then continue back to Branston Water Park.  Battlestead & Back Walks Leaflet

Stapenhill Woodland Walk & Riverside Walk

For those of you who are interested in trees, we’ve designed this walk for you to be able to enjoy and appreciate the trees within Stapenhill Woodland Walk.

Stapenhill Woodland Walk has a wide variety of mature trees. This leaflet will guide you along the woodland walk telling you about the different species of tree and other interesting information about the area.

Stapenhill Woodland Walk Leaflet

Branston Water Park

Circular- Approx 1 mile - ¾ hour Branston Water Park is a 40 acre lake surrounded by woodland, wetland, and wildflower meadow that supports a rich variety of wildlife. It is one of East Staffordshire’s key sites and a popular wildlife and recreational resource for local residents and visitors alike.

Branston Water Park Walk