The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Packington
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(1614)
10,137
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hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Packington are situated within the National Forest, an area characterized by maturing woodlands, serene wetlands, and repurposed former industrial sites. The landscape includes features such as Willesley Wood, Hicks Lodge with its lakes, and the tranquil Gilwiskaw Brook. Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, a former gravel extraction site, now offers three main pools, woodlands, and grasslands, providing diverse habitats for wildlife. The terrain generally features gentle elevation changes across rural farmland and open countryside.
Best family…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
20
hikers
5.19km
01:20
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
hikers
12.8km
03:23
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
9.08km
02:22
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
9.55km
02:32
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
There was a church in the town in the 11th century, but the core of the present building mainly dates from work started in 1474, when the church was rebuilt by the 1st Baron Hastings at the same time that he converted his neighbouring manor house into a castle. The church was refurbished in about 1670 to create more space, but the large & increasing size of the congregation led to further work in 1829, and a major rebuild in 1878–80. Domesday recorded that a priest was resident in Ashby, and that the church dedicated to St Helen consisted only of a nave. In about 1144, Philip Beaumains, lord of the Manor of Ashby, granted the church, its lands and revenues to the Augustinian community of Lilleshall Abbey, which retained possession until 1538. Parts of the current nave & chancel date from the C14, but the church was rebuilt and enlarged by William Hastings in 1474, at the same time that he erected the tower at the castle.
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The church was built between 1838 and 1840 to designs by the Derby architect, Henry Isaac Stevens. The chancel was added in 1866 by James Piers St Aubyn. The church was consecrated by George Davys, Bishop of Peterborough on 13 August 1840. It was reported that: The Marquess of Hastings gave land for the site. The cost of the building, upwards of 3000l., together with a handsome sum towards an endowment fund, was raised by subscription, chiefly among the inhabitants aided by a grant from the Church Building Society. The church contains upwards of 900 sittings, 600 of which are free and unappropriated.
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Spring lane is great camping site nice and peaceful
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Lovely stretch of footpath to the top of the hill over the field. Great place to catch a sunset
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There’s a small farm shop here, they have locally made ice cream tubs and homemade cakes etc. and there’s also a campsite here.
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This route was created by the National Forest. It takes you around the outskirts of the fields and into the tree plantation on the other side of Redburrow Lane.
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There is work being done atm on Ash Die Back felling - the trails are littered with branches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Packington?
Packington and the surrounding area offer a fantastic selection of family-friendly hikes. There are over 270 easy routes and nearly 200 moderate routes, providing plenty of options for families with varying experience levels.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family walks in Packington?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,500 ratings. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, diverse landscapes within the National Forest, and well-maintained paths suitable for all ages.
Are there any easy circular routes suitable for families with young children?
Yes, there are many easy circular routes. A great option is the Babelake Street Country Lane – Redburrow Woodlands Walk loop from Packington. This easy 5.3 km (3.3 miles) trail takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, offering gentle paths through woodlands.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family hikes near Packington?
You'll discover a diverse landscape, from maturing woodlands and serene wetlands within the National Forest to tranquil brooks like the Gilwiskaw Brook. The area also features rural farmland and open countryside, offering varied scenery for your family adventure.
Are there any specific attractions or landmarks to look out for on family walks?
Absolutely! You can explore several interesting spots. Consider visiting the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, the historic Moira Furnace and Canal, or the peaceful Staunton Harold Reservoir. These offer great points of interest for families.
Are there longer, moderate family-friendly routes for older children or more active families?
For families seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Rollercoaster Bridleway – Human Sundial loop from Packington is a moderate 9.1 km (5.7 miles) route that takes around 2 hours 22 minutes. It offers varied terrain and interesting sights.
Can we find trails that pass by water features or lakes?
Yes, the region has several beautiful water features. You can find trails near Staunton Harold Reservoir and Melbourne Pool. Hicks Lodge also provides access to lakes and diverse habitats, perfect for a family outing.
What is the best season for family walks in Packington?
Packington is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn provides stunning foliage. Even in winter, the trails can be beautiful, though some paths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are there any trails that offer good viewpoints?
Yes, the Baptist Chapel – Hilltop Viewpoint loop from Packington is a moderate 9.5 km (5.9 miles) route that takes about 2 hours 31 minutes. As the name suggests, it includes a hilltop viewpoint, offering lovely vistas of the surrounding countryside.
What kind of wildlife might we spot on family walks in the area?
The diverse habitats, especially within the National Forest and areas like Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, are home to various wildlife. You might spot a wide range of bird species, including breeding and passage waders, as well as other woodland creatures. The Packington Estate's Deer Park is also home to approximately 300 black fallow deer.
Are there any resources for understanding public rights of way in Packington?
Yes, for detailed information on public rights of way and local walking initiatives, you can consult the Packington Parish Council's resources on their website: packingtonparish.gov.uk.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for spotting historical sites?
The region has a rich history. The St Helen's Church – Blackfordby Countryside Path loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a moderate 13 km (8.1 miles) route, passes by St Helen's Church and offers a glimpse into the local heritage. You can also visit the Moira Furnace and Canal for a historical experience.
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