Jackson’s Bank Circular Walk

A peaceful woodland escape in the heart of Needwood Forest perfect for a family walk

If you’re searching for a walk that immerses you in nature from the very first step, Jackson’s Bank Circular Walk is hard to beat.

Located near the village of Hoar Cross, this easy two-mile circular route takes around an hour to complete, making it ideal for families, casual walkers and anyone wanting a relaxing escape into the woods. The route winds through a beautiful 35-hectare ancient woodland that forms part of the historic Needwood Estate and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Throughout the seasons, the woodland transforms into a spectacular display of colour. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic, while summer fills the woodland with birdsong beneath towering Scots pine, oak and cherry trees. Keep an eye out for early purple orchids, woodland wildlife and the rich variety of plants that make this woodland so special.

One of the walk’s most fascinating landmarks is the Needwood Noon Column, one of six remarkable oak sculptures created by internationally renowned artist David Nash for the National Forest’s LANDshapes project. Crafted from sustainable English oak, the three-metre-tall sculpture reflects the character of the ancient woodland surrounding it. A narrow slot carved through the column is precisely aligned so that, at true solar noon, a beam of sunlight shines directly through it, casting a striking line of light onto the ground. It’s a wonderful blend of art, science and landscape, making Jackson’s Bank a unique destination for walkers and photographers alike.

Well-maintained surfaced paths make the walk easy to follow, while picnic areas provide the perfect place to stop and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Perfect for:

• Families with young children
• Nature lovers
• Spring bluebell walks
• Woodland photography
• Discovering the National Forest’s iconic Noon Columns

Nearby places to enjoy afterwards

Extend your visit with lunch at The Deer Park or The Meynell Arms, or watch the light aircraft take off and land while enjoying refreshments at Tatenhill Airfield Café. Jackson’s Bank also links to longer routes, including the Needwood Circular Walk and sections of the National Forest Way, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the wider forest.

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Silver Circuit Walk

Rolling countryside, woodland and canalside scenery

If you’re ready for a longer adventure, the Silver Circuit Walk showcases some of the National Forest’s most varied landscapes.

Created to celebrate 25 years of the National Forest, this eight-mile circular walk begins at Barton Marina before leading walkers through the charming village of Barton-under-Needwood, across the beautiful Dunstall Estate, over Tatenhill Common and into the historic landscapes of Needwood Forest.

One of the highlights is the changing scenery. You’ll experience tranquil woodland trails, open parkland with sweeping views across the Trent Valley, quiet country paths and finally a peaceful stretch beside the Trent & Mersey Canal, where kingfishers and other wildlife are often spotted.

The route offers an excellent balance of history, nature and local attractions, making it perfect for a full day out.

Highlights include:

• Barton Marina
• Dunstall Estate
• Tatenhill Common
• Needwood Forest
• Trent & Mersey Canal
• Wildlife spotting opportunities

After your walk, Barton Marina offers a fantastic selection of cafés, restaurants, independent shops and even a cinema, making it an ideal place to relax and round off your day.

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Monks & Moorings Walk

Discover canals, woodland and centuries of history

If you’re looking for a walk that combines stunning scenery with fascinating heritage, the Monks & Moorings Walk is an excellent choice. Starting at Branston Water Park, this 6.8-mile circular route takes around three hours to complete and offers a wonderful journey through the landscapes that have shaped East Staffordshire’s past and present.

Following peaceful canal towpaths, ancient woodland trails and open countryside, the walk explores the eastern edge of the National Forest while showcasing some of the area’s most important natural and historic landmarks. Along the way you’ll pass Branston Water Park, where former gravel workings have been transformed into a thriving nature reserve, before following the tranquil Trent & Mersey Canal and climbing onto the Needwood escarpment for spectacular views across the Trent Valley.

One of the route’s standout locations is Battlestead Hill, a peaceful woodland with a remarkable story. The hill is reputed to have been the site of a fierce battle between the Angles and Danes, with ancient banks and ditches still visible amongst the trees. Today, it’s a tranquil place to pause and admire sweeping views across the countryside, particularly in spring when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, primroses and violets. The woodland itself has also evolved over time, recovering after the loss of many elm trees to Dutch Elm Disease and now thriving with mature oak, beech, ash, cherry and larch.

The walk also passes the historic Sinai Park House, a Grade II listed building with origins dating back to the 14th century. Set within beautiful woodland and overlooking the Trent Valley, it adds another fascinating layer of history to this varied and rewarding route.

Highlights include:

• Branston Water Park and its abundant birdlife
• The peaceful Trent & Mersey Canal and historic Tatenhill Lock
• Battlestead Hill and its ancient battlefield history
• Panoramic views from the Needwood escarpment
• Historic Sinai Park House and surrounding woodland
• A varied mix of canal paths, woodland trails and open countryside

Nearby places to enjoy afterwards

After completing the walk, reward yourself with a visit to The Bridge Inn in Branston. Situated beside the Trent & Mersey Canal, this welcoming canalside pub is the perfect place to relax with a drink or enjoy a hearty meal while watching the narrowboats pass by. Its picturesque beer garden overlooking the canal makes it an ideal spot to round off your National Forest adventure.

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Needwood Circular Walk

An unforgettable journey through the historic heart of Needwood Forest

For experienced walkers looking to fully immerse themselves in the National Forest, the Needwood Circular Walk is one of East Staffordshire’s finest countryside adventures.

This nine-mile route takes around four hours to complete and showcases everything that makes Needwood Forest so special. Ancient woodland, historic parkland, quiet country lanes and rolling farmland combine to tell the story of a landscape shaped over hundreds of years.

Beginning at Jackson’s Bank, the route passes through beautiful woodland before taking in charming villages, open countryside and historic landmarks including the striking Needwood Noon Column—one of artist David Nash’s impressive oak sculptures that marks true solar noon.

History accompanies you throughout the walk. Once part of the royal hunting forest controlled by the Duchy of Lancaster, Needwood was home to deer, wild boar and an abundance of wildlife. Today, the National Forest has helped restore habitats, encouraging many species to thrive once again.

This walk rewards visitors with spectacular views, peaceful surroundings and a real sense of discovering one of Staffordshire’s hidden gems.

Don’t miss:

• Jackson’s Bank woodland
• Needwood Noon Column
• Historic forest landscapes
• Wildlife-rich farmland
• Traditional villages nestled within the forest

It’s the perfect walk for anyone wanting to experience the rich heritage and natural beauty of the National Forest in one memorable day.

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Make a Day of It

One of the best things about walking in East Staffordshire is that every route can become part of a bigger adventure.

Refuel with lunch at one of the area’s welcoming country pubs or cafés, browse the independent shops and waterside eateries at Barton Marina, or enjoy locally sourced produce at The Deer Park. Many of these walks are also close to other attractions, making it easy to combine your countryside escape with shopping, heritage or family-friendly activities.

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