Finer weather brings an opportunity to get outdoors and stretch those legs. May is National Walking Month so why not try out some of these local delights and enjoy the sunshine when it pops up…
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Washlands Circular
Difficulty: easy
Length: 1.25 km
Time: 21 min
This walk is great for bird spotting, hiking, and mountain biking, and is a relatively quiet walk without too many people. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.

The Trent Washlands are an open place for wildlife and recreation on the Trent River's flood plain near Burton upon Trent. They provide a range of habitats for diverse wildlife. Herons, dragonflies, and damselflies can all be seen. The grassland is managed as a traditional hay meadow in the spring, with marsh marigolds, cowslips, and cuckoo flowers. There are picnic tables too, ideal for spending time with family and friends while having a walk in the woods.

Fradley Junction & Alrewas
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 7.4 km
Time: 2 h 30 min
Popular for hiking, running, and walking, you'll meet other people while exploring.

A circular walk from Fradley Junction which includes farmland and villages as well as sections along the Trent and Mersey Canal and the Coventry Canal. There is a canal visitor centre worth exploring which is run by volunteers. At the junction there are several listed buildings, these are: Cottages, Warehouse, Crossover bridge and lock and on the Wharf you will find the original Stables, Carpenters shop and Blacksmiths (which now form part of the cafe and visitor centre). On the opposite side of the canal you will find an award winning Nature Reserve.

The route takes you along a mixture of tarmac surfaces, towpaths and footpaths across farmers fields. Some of the fields are likely to be holding horses and sheep so take care with dogs. Parts of the route can be muddy, depending on the time of year. You will need to negotiate a few gates and stiles.