UK walkers will find that Walking in the National Forest has become easier, thanks to initiatives such as the Forest Walk packs, published by the National Forest Company.
Conceived in the late 1980's,
The National Forest is 200 square miles spanning three counties, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, in the English Midlands; it is a forest in the making that will link two ancient Forests, Charnwood on its Eastern fringe with Needwood Forest to its West. No such forest has been created in the UK on this scale for one thousand years.
A magnet for walkers, cyclist, birdwatchers and wildlife lovers, the National Forest also features craft and visitor centres. It enjoys increasing popularity as a
venue for open-air summer concerts and there is a busy schedule of events, from classical to rock. On 7-9 July, 2006, the National Forest Folk Festival is putting on an impressive line-up of performers, which include top band, The Levellers, highly acclaimed Cara Dillon and the exciting Shooglenifty.
There are 17 documented and waymarked, circular walks spread throughout the National Forest, 6 are classified as a short walk (3 to 7 miles) and there are 4 walks which are more than 11 miles (including a 22 mile hike).
Skylark Holidays are introducing a series of walking holidays and breaks in the National Forest.
