Walking and Fitness Trails

Walking and Fitness Trails

There are many miles of paths and tracks through Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. You are welcome to walk on any of these paths however the best routes have been waymarked.

The routes range in distance from 3/4 mile to 5 miles and are easy to follow. The walking routes are waymarked on the ground with posts with the appropriate coloured band, however a detailed ‘Explore’ map which shows all waymarked walking and cycling trail is available to buy for £1 from the Visitor Centre.

Please note: this is an area of countryside and a working forest; there are lakes, rivers and ponds, uneven footpaths, people and machinery at work. Please stay on the footpaths and keep those in your care close to you.

Play Trail and Tree Top Trail

For a short walk in the Forest – discover the Play Trail with its unique pieces of wooden play equipment situated on a three-quarters of a mile walk. Half way along the Play Trail there is the option to divert onto the Tree Top Trail; a wooden walkway that gives you a birds-eye view of the Forest.

Please note: The Play Trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs but unfortunately the Tree Top Trail is not, however there is a connecting path from start to finish.

Audio Trails

Lady walking in the forest

The Moors Lake Audio Trail takes you on a journey around Moors Lake starting from the Visitor Centre. Along the way, look and listen out for a variety of wildlife at key locations on the journey. The trail is about 3/4 of a mile in length with 7 stopping points, each marked with an Audio Trail marker.

The Mindfulness Audio Trail is approximately 3.5km long and is made up of two loops in a figure of eight with 13 stopping points. Click here to download a map of the trail.

For more details and to download the audio files please visit our Moors Lake Audio Trail page, Mindfulness Audio Trail page or download our Free App.

3, 2, 1 Running Routes

Lady running in the forest

In conjunction with England Athletics there are three additional waymarked routes of 1, 2 and 3 miles.

These are waymarked with round metal Run England 3, 2, 1 discs and all start from the totem pole near the Visitor Centre.

Fitness Trail

Our specially constructed fitness trail provides a wide variety of exercise options that are ideal for those getting back into exercise, as well as those looking for a more strenuous workout.

There are 10 exercise stations positioned along a 2-mile route through the forest. The course starts with a warm-up of approximately half a mile before you reach the first station. You can either walk or jog between stations depending on your level of fitness and then follow the instructions to perform our suggested exercises which work different areas of your body in turn.

Use the light, medium or high ratings on the signs to decide on the number of repetitions you could do for each exercise.

If you are unsure about tackling a new exercise or if you have any general health concerns about using the trail please consult your doctor first.

Orienteering

Start compass in the forest

There is a permanent Orienteering course set up in the forest with a range of courses to suit different abilities.

An Orienteering pack, including maps, course card and introductory leaflets is available from the Information Point in the Visitor Centre at a cost of £3.00 per map pack.

Schools and groups are welcome to use the orienteering facility at Moors Valley.

If you require large numbers of Orienteering packs for your group for a self-led visit, please order these in advance on 01425 470721. When buying 10 or more Orienteering packs the price is discounted to £2.00 per map pack.