Easy hikes and walks around Harlaston
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Easy hiking trails around Harlaston are set within a tranquil rural landscape in Staffordshire, England. The area is characterized by the meandering River Mease, a designated Special Area of Conservation, and its adjacent wet woodland. Harlaston's gentle topography provides pleasant walking conditions without strenuous climbs, making it suitable for accessible outdoor activities. The village is surrounded by agricultural land and substantial tree cover, offering varied and scenic paths within the National Forest.
Best easy hiking trails around Harlaston
- The most…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
5.0
(4)
67
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. 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.
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5.0
(1)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
7.60km
01:57
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Such a towpath (known in German as a towpath or Leinpfad), which runs alongside the river or canal, was an essential part of the transport infrastructure in earlier times. Before ships could move by motor power, horses walked along the bank, pulling the boat against the current. This activity was called "treideln" in German, and thus the "treidelpfad" got its name. Where these paths – running directly along the bank – have survived to this day, they no longer serve their original purpose, but are still popular: namely, with hikers and cyclists.
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Fradley Junction Laughing Duck Cafe is a great place to stop
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Towpath is usually in pretty good condition for most of the year. Probably not all suitable for a road bike but anything with 40mm or above tyres is going to be fine.
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This memorial commemorates Colin Grazier of Tamworth, as well as Anthony Fasson and Tommy Brown. They died after recovering an Enigma machine and important code documents from the sinking U559 in 1942. When they re-entered the sub for more information, it sank.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Harlaston?
Harlaston offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 140 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails allow you to explore the tranquil rural landscape and natural features of the area.
Are there family-friendly easy walks in Harlaston?
Yes, Harlaston's gentle topography and well-maintained paths are ideal for families. Many routes, particularly those along the River Mease and the nearby canal towpaths, offer pleasant and accessible walks. The Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath – Fradley Junction loop from Alrewas is a great example of a level, family-friendly option.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in Harlaston?
Most of the easy hiking trails around Harlaston are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the rural scenery with your canine companion. However, as many routes pass through farmland, it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code. Always check specific route details for any restrictions.
Are there circular easy walks in Harlaston?
Yes, many of the easy trails in the Harlaston area are designed as circular routes, providing varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include canal towpath loops like the Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath – The Laughing Duck Coffee Shop loop from Alrewas, which offer convenient starting and ending points.
Where can I find parking for easy hikes in Harlaston?
Parking is generally available in or near the villages that serve as starting points for these trails, such as Alrewas. For canal-based walks, look for parking near canal access points or local amenities. Always check local signage for parking regulations and availability.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on easy hikes around Harlaston?
Easy hikes around Harlaston often feature the unspoilt meandering River Mease, its unique wet woodland ecosystem, and picturesque rural farmland. You'll encounter diverse vegetation, historic weirs, and potentially wildlife like willow tits, amphibians, and otters in the wet woodland areas.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions along these easy trails?
While Harlaston itself is a charming conservation village, nearby attractions include the Lichfield Cathedral and Minster Pool in Lichfield. The National Memorial Arboretum also offers easy walking loops with both natural beauty and historical significance.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Harlaston?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil rural setting, the gentle nature of the paths, and the scenic beauty of the River Mease and canal towpaths, making it perfect for relaxed outdoor experiences.
Are there any flat walks suitable for beginners or those seeking minimal elevation?
Yes, Harlaston's landscape is characterized by gentle topography, making it ideal for flat walks. The canal towpaths, such as the Coventry Canal Towpath – Colorful Wheel Sculpture loop from Hodge Lane Local Nature Reserve, are particularly level and perfect for beginners or anyone preferring a walk without significant climbs.
Can I access these easy trails using public transport?
While Harlaston is a rural village, nearby towns like Alrewas, which serve as starting points for several popular easy routes, may have better public transport links. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to these areas when planning your hike.
Are there pubs or cafes near the easy hiking routes in Harlaston?
Yes, you can often find local pubs and cafes in the villages surrounding the easy hiking trails, such as Alrewas. These provide convenient spots for refreshments before or after your walk. Some canal routes, like the Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath – The Laughing Duck Coffee Shop loop from Alrewas, even pass directly by such establishments.
What makes Harlaston a good destination for easy hiking?
Harlaston is an excellent destination for easy hiking due to its tranquil rural landscape, gentle topography, and diverse natural features like the River Mease and its wet woodland. The village's conservation status ensures preserved beauty, and the network of well-maintained paths, including accessible canal towpaths, provides varied and scenic options for all abilities.
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