The best lockdown walking routes
IT might be a cold January and little to do during lockdown but that does not mean it is not the perfect time to go for a walk to get your daily exercise.
Going out for exercise is one of the few things we are allowed to do at the moment and we are lucky to live in such a scenic area which offers plenty of views to make the most of, but remember you should not travel far and should ideally start your exercise from your home.
Walking is good for mental health as well as making the most of the natural light.
For those looking for somewhere to go for a walk, we have come up with a few options for people living in different areas of Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.
There is something for everyone that is still local to them so simply pick the one that is on your doorstep or only a short distance away.
Remember to stay local when going out for your daily exercise. Many of these areas have remained open for people who live nearby to enjoy their exercise.
Visitors are asked to respect social distancing at all times while they are out too.
The Burton Mail’s website, Staffordshire Live, has put together a list of some of the favourite walks to blow away the winter blues if you live near these places and are therefore sticking to Covid lockdown rules. Here’s what we have come up with:
BARTON MARINA
THE marina in Barton under Needwood offers walks around the lakes and also some woodland detours for people from Barton area at the moment.
It is intersected with different paths and bridges, with a few essential shops still open for those who need to pick a few things up while they are out.
It is the perfect place to see nature at work with the birds making the most of the water and woodland animals rushing about.
BURTON WASHLANDS
LYING on the flood plain of the River Trent, it is best to pick a day when it has not been raining for a walk here of you live in the town.
The Washlands provide a variety of habitats for a range of wildlife and the grassland is managed as a traditional hay meadow and is covered in marsh marigold, cowslips and cuckoo flower in spring.
Walkers can follow the sculpture trail which includes a Viking Long Boat, a loaf of bread and heron seat.
BRANSTON WATER PARK
BRANSTON Water Park, in Burton, is a 40-acre lake which was originally an opencast gravel pit. Remember to only go if you live locally. do not travel from further afield or you risk breaking the rules.
The reed bed is particularly important to wildlife as it is one of the largest in Staffordshire.
The site is a Local Natural Reserve and has successfully held the Green Flag award since 2005 in recognition of the quality, cleanliness, safety and wildlife value of the site.
CANNOCK CHASE
CANNOCK Chase offers several different trails for you to try out, with varying levels of difficulty, if you live near this beauty spot, of course.
Chase Heritage trail
This 10 mile linear trail takes you through Rugeley, Hednesford and Cannock. A shorter option would be to walk from the forest to the visitor centre (3.2 miles) and back.
Sherbrook trail
This scenic walk will take you through Sherbrook Valley from the Cannock Chase car park, through
the Pepper Slade loop and Abraham’s Valley to the stepping stones. Together, these are around 19.5 miles long.
Fairoak trail
The Fairoak trail is a 2.5 mile circular which takes your through the woodland and into the valley to the Fairoak pools
The area has an interesting coal mining past and was the location of a colliery in the late 19th century.
Ladyhill trail
A shorter and easier route is the Ladyhill trail - a flat, circular one mile trail which is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
DOXEY MARSHES
DOXEY Marshes is a wetland oasis and hub for wildlife - making it one of the country’s best bird watching sites for locals only at the moment.
The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to birds like lapwing, snipe and redshank.
But it’s not just home to beautiful birds, it also has otters, harvest mouse and water shrew for you to try and spot.
BLITHFIELD RESERVOIR
BLITHFIELD Reservoir, in Blithe Valley, is a 790 acre lake created after building a dam across the nearby River Blithe.
It was opened in 1953 after it took 500 men over six years to complete, and now provides water across East and South Staffordshire.
The estate, which contains areas of rare ancient woodland and an abundance of local wildlife, was first designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1968.
The reservoir is located close to Abbots Bromley. Only use it if you are local.
CROXALL
BURTON’S Croxall Lakes was previously quarried for sand and gravel, but is now home to a range of wintering and breeding birds.
The walk is fairly smooth and flat, but some areas do not allow public access so as not to disturb wildlife. Similarly, whilst dogs are allowed, visitors should follow the rules on where they are permitted on site.
If you’re lucky, visiting between November and January could mean you might spot a shorteared owl, not commonly seen in Staffordshire. Again only go if you live locally.
SWADLINCOTE WOODLANDS
BRINGING The National Forest right to the edge of Swadlincote town centre, it is an 80-acre urban woodland park with 40,000 trees, interpretative boards, arts and heritage features.
The woodlands were planted on a former landfill and open cast site. Locals will enjoy a stroll here.
The park offers a play area and a climbing rock with a network of footpaths that also criss-cross the site.
FOREMARK RESERVOIR
ALTHOUGH there are no set walking routes around the reservoir, there are a variety of trails along the reservoir and through woodland areas that lead you to Carver’s Rocks.
The longer trails will take you to nearby Staunton Harold Reservoir. Do not drive miles to get to this place, it open for locals to exercise.
MERCIA MARINA
LOCATED in Willington, it offers stunning walks around the lake and along the boardwalk while taking in nature and the wildlife. there is plenty of wildlife to see and the marina itself is an interesting site. there are plenty of moored boats to walk past. Remember to stick to the social distancing guidelines here and, again, only locals while lockdown is on.
ALBERT VILLAGE LAKE
THE former mining site has now become a popular area for residents across South Derbyshire looking for somewhere local to exercise. The large lake offers a relaxing atmosphere and is a perfect place for dogs to explore.