The best walks and hikes around Alrewas
4.3
(381)
4,104
hikers
21
hikes
Hikes around Alrewas explore a landscape characterized by its network of waterways, including the Trent and Mersey Canal and the River Trent. The terrain is predominantly flat, with routes following canal towpaths, riverside paths, and adjacent meadows. Many trails connect the village to nearby points of interest like Fradley Junction and the National Memorial Arboretum.
Best hiking trails around Alrewas
- The most popular hiking route is Trent and Mersey Canal to The Coventry Canal via Fradley Junction, a 5.4 mile (8.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 10 minutes to complete. This route follows the canal towpath to the historic Fradley Junction.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath – The Laughing Duck Coffee Shop loop from Alrewas, an easy 4.0 mile (6.5 km) path. The trail is a straightforward loop along the canal, suitable for most fitness levels.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the National Memorial Arboretum – National Memorial Arboretum loop from National Memorial Arboretum, a 6.0 mile (9.6 km) trail leading through the arboretum's grounds, often completed in about 2 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking around Alrewas is defined by level canal towpaths, riverside walks, and paths through open meadows. The network of Alrewas walking routes offers accessible options for different ability levels, primarily consisting of easy and moderate trails.
- The routes in Alrewas are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 250 reviews. More than 2,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Alrewas's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.7
(35)
167
hikers
8.70km
02:12
20m
20m
This moderate hike along the Trent and Mersey Canal to The Coventry Canal via Fradley Junction covers 5.4 miles (8.7 km) with a gentle 63 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You will follow largely flat canal towpaths, which are generally well-maintained, though some sections might be unpaved or muddy after rain. Expect a rich rural landscape with expansive views, abundant wildflowers, and trees lining the canals. Keep an eye out for active barges and historic old stone bridges, some dating back to the 1770s, creating picturesque reflections on the water.
This route is suitable for most skill levels, offering easily accessible paths for a pleasant stroll, though longer options in the area require good fitness. Fradley Junction itself is a hub of activity, providing amenities like cafes, a pub known as The Swan or 'Mucky Duck', and a Canal & River Trust information center. You can also find shorter, easy circular walks around the junction if you prefer a quicker outing.
Fradley Junction is a significant highlight, marking the meeting point of the Trent and Mersey and Coventry Canals, making it one of the busiest spots on the waterways. Observe the flight of five locks and the deep grooves worn into the stone by working horses, a historical reminder of the canals' past. Adjacent to the junction, Fradley Pool Nature Reserve offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with frequent sightings of kingfishers, herons, and woodpeckers, along with pond-dipping platforms and a tree sculpture trail.
5.0
(4)
67
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
3.4
(7)
35
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
12
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Fradley Junction Laughing Duck Cafe is a great place to stop
0
0
Visitors can enjoy discovering over 400 memorials nestled amongst some 25,000 trees, experience riverside walks and participate in a wide variety of daily activities: guided walks, land train tours, memorial talks, exhibitions and buggy tours.
0
0
A bronze sculpture depicting a handshake between a British soldier and a German soldier encased within an open-meshed steel football.
0
0
Over 16,000 names are recorded on the memorial including those who have been killed whilst on duty, died in operational theatre or were targeted by terrorists. A gap has been left in the two southern walls of the Memorial. On Armistice Day a shaft of sunlight falls through this gap onto the bronze wreath in the centre of the Memorial.
0
0
The original church was a simple, small Norman nave which was extended in the late 1200s. Over the next few hundred years an aisle and tower were added. It became dilapidated but rose again to become the beautiful church that now stands proud above the Trent and Mersey Canal. With its mix of old and new stained glass windows it is a gem of a rural church.
0
0
The site of Wychnor deserted medieval village; once a moated site, moated enclosure and two fishponds. The settlement, which had grown since being mentioned in the Domesday Books, had begun to decline by the Tudor era and was finally abandoned by the 18th century for reasons unknown.
0
0
The Trent and Mersey Canal is a 93+1⁄2-mile (150 km) canal in Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire in north-central England. It is a "narrow canal" for the vast majority of its length. The Trent and Mersey Canal was completed in 1777 and plays an integral part of Alrewas' history. Once used to ship goods and materials it is now an important leisure facility; the canal is lined with dozens of ornately decorated narrowboats.
0
0
The stream was created from water diverted from the Trent in order to power a mill. Initially a corn mill in medieval times, it later became a cotton mill. Alrewas was also famous for its eel fishery. The miller extracted eels from the stream and supplied them locally. The eel trade survived in the area until 1990.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walking routes in Alrewas suitable for dogs?
Yes, many walks around Alrewas are dog-friendly, especially the flat canal towpaths and riverside paths. The open spaces are great for dogs, but it's always a good idea to keep them on a lead, particularly near farmland, wildlife, and the busy canal sections with narrowboats.
What are some good circular walks in the Alrewas area?
Alrewas is excellent for circular walks, meaning you can start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many routes combine canal towpaths with riverside trails. For a shorter loop, the Alrewas Mill Stream – Trent and Mersey Canal loop from Alrewas is a great option that showcases the local waterways in just over 5 km.
Are there any easy, flat walks suitable for families or beginners?
The terrain around Alrewas is predominantly flat, making it ideal for easy-going walks. The towpaths along the Trent and Mersey Canal are particularly accessible and offer a gentle stroll with plenty to see, like the colourful narrowboats. Most of the trails in the area are rated as easy.
Can I combine a walk with a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum?
Absolutely. The National Memorial Arboretum is a key feature of the local landscape and several trails pass through or near its extensive grounds. You can enjoy a peaceful walk within the arboretum itself, which includes family-friendly options like the Stick Man Trail, before or after exploring the surrounding countryside.
Where is a good place to park for a walk around Alrewas?
For walks starting in the village, there is typically on-street parking available, but be sure to park considerately. For routes focusing on the National Memorial Arboretum, it has a large, dedicated car park, though booking in advance is often recommended. Fradley Junction also offers parking, making it a convenient starting point for canal-side walks.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails around Alrewas?
The area is well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4.3 stars. Hikers frequently praise the peaceful, flat towpaths along the canals and the abundance of wildlife. The easy navigation and the scenic views of narrowboats at Fradley Junction are also popular highlights.
Are there any pubs or cafes along the walking routes?
Yes, many walks are conveniently located near pubs and cafes. Alrewas village has traditional pubs perfect for a post-hike refreshment. Fradley Junction is another popular spot with a cafe, The Laughing Duck, which is a common feature on several routes and serves as an excellent pitstop.
How many hiking trails are available around Alrewas?
You can discover nearly 20 different hiking routes around Alrewas on komoot. The majority are easy, with a handful of moderate options, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level. They primarily explore the canal towpaths, riverbanks, and local meadows.
What are the main features of the canal walks near Alrewas?
The canal walks are defined by the historic Trent and Mersey Canal. Key features include the level, well-maintained towpaths, the impressive series of locks, and the bustling hub of Fradley Junction where the Trent and Mersey meets the Coventry Canal. You'll see plenty of colourful narrowboats and aquatic birds.
Are there any longer hikes for a more challenging day out?
While most routes are gentle, you can find some longer options. The The Laughing Duck Coffee Shop – Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath loop from Alrewas offers a more substantial trek of over 10 km. You can also extend walks by connecting paths towards neighbouring villages like Wychnor or Yoxall for a full day of exploring.
Can I reach the hiking trails using public transport?
Alrewas is served by local bus routes connecting it to nearby towns like Lichfield and Burton upon Trent. From these towns, you can access the national rail network. Once in the village, most trailheads are easily accessible on foot.
What kind of scenery can I expect on a walk to Fradley Junction?
A walk from Alrewas to Fradley Junction is a classic Staffordshire waterway experience. You'll follow the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath, passing through serene countryside with views over open fields. The highlight is arriving at the junction itself, a vibrant spot where two canals meet, complete with a collection of historic canal buildings, locks, and a cafe.
Most popular routes around Alrewas
Most popular attractions around Alrewas
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
