Rosliston Forestry Centre
Woodland paths, cycling, wildlife, play areas and regular events. It is also the finish of National Forest Way Stage 8 and the start of Stage 9.
Official site →Outdoors
Country Parks & Woodlands Near Drakelow
Easy local places for walking, wildlife, cycling and a picnic
Green space is one of the area's strongest assets
Drakelow is close to the heart of the National Forest, with former industrial land transformed into woodland, lakes and trails alongside older parkland and nature reserves. These are the places we would start with for an uncomplicated outdoor day.
Hicks Lodge
A former coal-mining site transformed by Forestry England into woodland with walking routes, cycling trails, play, a café and wildlife around the lake.
Official site →Branston Water Park
A former gravel pit that is now a Local Nature Reserve, with a lake, woodland, wetland and wildflower habitat plus an accessible surfaced route around the site.
Our local guide →Foremark
A 230-acre nature reserve combining woodland, grass heathland, open countryside and reservoir views, with walking trails and picnic space.
National Trust →Calke Park & Calke Explore
Historic parkland, ancient trees, walking and cycling routes, natural play and the family-friendly Tramway Trail. Calke Explore provides a useful outdoor starting point.
National Trust →National Memorial Arboretum
More than 400 memorials across 150 acres, with around 25,000 trees and several routes through gardens, woodland and riverside areas.
Plan a visit →Want a Proper Route?
WalkingNational Forest Way near Drakelow
Stages 8, 9 and 10 connect Moira, Rosliston, Branston and Rangemore.
Walking guide → CyclingLocal cycling guideWoodland trails and the long-distance Coal and Canopy Way.
Cycling guide →Facilities, access and route conditions can change. Check the linked official site before making a special journey.