You know when a place feels like it’s been quietly getting on with something big? That’s The National Forest. It stretches across parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire – over 200 square miles of land that was once more about coal than countryside. Now, it’s full of trees, millions of them.
And the best bit? Loads of it is open and welcoming to dogs. Not just tolerated, properly welcomed, as if they expected us.
What Is The National Forest?
In the early 1990s, the idea was to transform some of the old industrial landscape into something greener. So they started planting trees, linking the ancient remnant forests of Charnwood and Needwood. Decades later, it remains one of the most significant environmental projects in the UK: woodlands, wildlife, and wildflowers.
But it’s not just trees. There are still farmland, canals, country parks, and old pits that have been rewilded. It’s not a single forest in one block but rather a patchwork of different places. And that’s the charm, as every visit can be different depending on where you go.
Where It Is and How To Get There
The National Forest runs right through the middle of the Midlands, mostly centred around the four Forest towns: Burton upon Trent (famous for its brewing), Swadlincote and Coalville (formerly associated with the clay and coal mining industries) and the historic town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. If you’re anywhere near the East Midlands, you’re closer than you think.
You don’t need to plan a full day out to enjoy it, either. The A42 and A511 run straight through parts of it, and there is also easy access from the M1. There are train stations in places like Burton. Most of the good walking spots have free or low-cost car parks, and a few have toilets and cafes too. It’s a mix of wild and well-maintained areas, and many of the trails are also buggy- and wheelchair-friendly. But if it’s been chucking it down, maybe don’t chance it in your best shoes, as some of the lesser-used paths turn into mud.
Is It Good for Dogs?
Yep. The National Forest is properly dog-friendly. There are over 320km of promoted trails in the National Forest to walk, many of the woodlands and walking trails welcome dogs, and there are plenty of quiet spots where you can let them off-leads.
There’s a nice mix of terrains, open fields, shady woods, gravel paths, grassy meadows, canal towpaths and lakeside loops. It’s the sort of place where your dog comes home tired and possibly muddy, and that’s when you know you’ve had a great walk.
Many of the walks include streams or lakes, so if your dog enjoys paddling or swimming, they’ll be in their element.
Some Good Spots to Try
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few places inside the National Forest boundary that are great for dog walks:
- Moira Furnace and the Ashby Canal Towpath – Flat, easy and peaceful. Ducks galore. There might be a few kids on scooters on weekends, but nothing hectic.
- Donisthorpe Woodland Park – Originally a pit, it is now filled with trees and walking trails.
- Beacon Hill – Not just woods, but the second highest point in Leicestershire.
- Sence Valley Forest Park – Quiet and underrated. Three lakes, lots of shade, and hardly ever busy.
- Conkers and surrounding woodlands – Some busy bits, but head away from the visitor centre, and it quickly quietens down.
For a complete list of places, see the National Forest Website.
Things to Be Aware Of
Some parts of The National Forest have livestock grazing, so you’ll see signs asking dogs to be kept on leads. There are usually dog waste bins in larger parks, but not always in the more remote areas.
Also worth noting: some trails can get a bit soggy after rain. Wellies or good walking shoes are a must in winter, and a towel in the boot, unless you like that wet dog smell soaking into your car seats.
Final Thought
The National Forest isn’t flashy or famous like the Peak District. It’s slower, quieter, and rough around the edges, but in the best way. It feels like it belongs to everyone, and dogs seem to love it because it offers that proper off-lead freedom.
If you live nearby or you’re up for a day trip, it’s a brilliant place to explore bit by bit. No two areas feel quite the same, which is nice if you like variety (or have a dog who gets bored walking the same route).
Trees, trails, tired paws. Job done.
