It can be tempting to think of the National Forest as somewhere young. The project was given the go-ahead only in the 1990s, covers around 200 square miles, and has seen the planting of millions of trees. YHA National Forest, an exclusive hire property at its centre, is an eco-hostel dating to 2007.
All this hints at a region without a long heritage, but this is off the mark. The newer plantations – which largely comprise native trees – link together belts of ancient woodland, while the forest as a whole covers history-rich swathes of North Leicestershire, South Derbyshire and South East Staffordshire. This walk makes a fine choice for groups looking to combine woodland, countryside and a fascinating industrial past.
The former coal-mining village of Moira, near the start, is a prime example. Its 19th-century iron-making blast furnace sits on the banks of a 200-year-old canal and provides one of the hike’s cultural highlights. Hick’s Lodge, another ex-mining site but now a lake with bird hides, a café and cycle trails, arrives soon afterwards.
The path then winds south, snaking into Willesley Wood and crossing the A42 before arriving into Measham. The village has a traditional pub, The White Hart, and a long pottery tradition. It’s also where you’ll join the old railway line leading north. After passing the village of Donisthorpe, the route heads through Donisthorpe Woodland Park before returning to the hostel.
Walk of the season: YHA National Forest
254 Moira Furnace and Measham
- Distance: 9 miles (14.6km)
- Ascent: 180m (591ft)
- Time: Allow 3h 45m to 6h 30m
- Start/finish: Grid ref SK 305 156
Directions
- From the hostel car park head to the track on the right and turn right.
- Leave the track via steps on the left to Park Road.
- At the road junction take the footpath ahead and to the left, between the road and the track, into the trees.
- Bear right to the canal and turn left alongside it.
- At Moira Furnace cross the canal and
turn left. - Turn right onto Measham Road, then left onto the footpath.
- At the road turn right and immediately bear right onto the bridleway signposted to Hicks Lodge.
- Bear right to pass Hick’s Lodge visitor centre and follow the trail to Ashby Road.
- Cross the road and go straight ahead to Oakthorpe Colliery Picnic Site, then turn left into Willesley Wood.
- Leave the woods onto Willesley Wood Side, turn right and follow the lane, then cross the bridge over the A42.
- Turn left and head across fields.
- At Ashby Road turn right into Measham and head along High Street.
- Cross over the mini-roundabout, then turn right onto the path along the old railway line.
- Leave the old railway path onto Burton Road. Turn right to head under the A42, then rejoin the old railway path.
- Cross over the road at Donisthorpe to remain on the old railway line, then retrace the route to the hostel.
Hazards
Some walking on lanes and narrow roads without pavements. Road crossings. Deep water. Some paths are shared with cyclists and horses. May be livestock in fields. Parts of the route may be muddy after rain.
Accessibility
There are stiles and steps on the route and paths and gates less than one metre wide. There are stretches of rough ground with ruts or stones up to 10cm.
For more information, visit /breaks/walking/self-guided-maps.
This route has been created by YHA to provide inspiration and to aid planning and preparation of your walk. It doesn’t replace the need for an OS Map or the OS Maps App to navigate your walk safely. Digital maps are a guide and do not always reflect the conditions on the ground, ensure you are aware of your immediate surroundings.
© Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 1000+99+5. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk.
Produced by Matt Overd (https://walkingpace.uk). Contributions from Eleanor Butterfield & Simon Ainley.
