Where ancient ridges, green valleys, and quiet towns reveal a grounded beauty.
The Midlands sits at the centre of England — a region of quiet strength, rural charm, and understated variety. From the gritstone edges of the southern Peak District to the rolling Shropshire Hills and the chalk landscapes of the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, this is countryside shaped by time, tradition, and timeless footpaths.
This is a region made for walking holidays. Trails lead through ancient woodlands, along rivers and canals, across farmland, and into market towns that still carry the rhythms of rural life. It’s not dramatic — but it’s rich, soulful, and full of slow discovery.
The Midlands is equally suited to outdoor adventures. Forest tracks, ridge walks, riverside paths, and peaceful valley routes offer an easy rhythm for those exploring on foot, with nature reserves and wild-feeling hills adding depth and variety.
It’s also a great region for cycling holidays, with converted rail trails, quiet country lanes, and forest routes offering easy, scenic riding. Whether you’re pedalling the Monsal Trail, cruising through Cannock Chase, or cycling the rural edges of Leicestershire and Rutland, the region lends itself to gentle, car-free exploration.
And when the day softens, you’ll find plenty of places to stay close to trails, woodlands, and countryside paths — from cosy inns and guesthouses to rural cottages, woodland lodges, and pubs with rooms in market towns like Bakewell, Church Stretton, and Louth.
The southern reaches of the Peak District National Park offer a gentler blend of dale walking and ridge routes. Wander along Monsal Dale, Dovedale, and Lathkill Dale, or climb Curbar Edge and Stanage Edge for broad views over the White Peak.
This is also excellent cycling country, with disused railways forming trails like the Monsal Trail and Tissington Trail.
Best bases: Bakewell, Hartington, Eyam.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty marked by wide skies and quiet peaks. Walk the open ridges of The Long Mynd, climb Caer Caradoc, or explore the quartzite tors of The Stiperstones.
Beyond walking, this area is ideal for quiet-lane cycling or paddling peaceful rivers around Clun and Ludlow.
A forested National Landscape between the Midlands’ major towns. Enjoy woodland walking, wildlife-rich heathland, family-friendly bike trails, and some of the region’s clearest night skies.
Nearby, The National Forest stretches across Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire — a young, rewilding landscape full of emerging trails and restored woodland.
Follow the Viking Way (147 miles through Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland), walk near Rutland Water, or explore canal and field paths around Belvoir Castle, Market Harborough, and the Lincolnshire Wolds.
These landscapes offer gentle walking, peaceful cycle routes, birdwatching spots, and plenty of rural calm.
The southern Peak District is a highlight, with routes along Dovedale, Monsal Dale, and Curbar Edge. The Shropshire Hills offer ridge walks across the Long Mynd and Stiperstones. For long-distance walkers, the Viking Way and the Pennine Way (starting in Edale) are excellent.
Yes. The region has superb off-road cycling routes such as the Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, and woodland loops in Cannock Chase. Paddling is possible on rivers like the Severn and around calm waters at Rutland Water.
Absolutely. With uncrowded landscapes, well-marked trails, and strong transport links, the Midlands is perfect for independent walking and cycling holidays.
Yes — many trails connect to historic villages, castles, and ancient landscapes. Visit places like Eyam, Ludlow, Belvoir Castle, or Iron Age hillforts across Shropshire.
You’ll find cosy inns, rural B&Bs, cottages, woodland lodges, and traditional pubs with rooms. Many sit close to major trails around Bakewell, Church Stretton, Cannock Chase, and the Wolds.