Walking &
Cycling
Guests do not need to drive somewhere before they can start exploring. Fire & Stars sits within 48 acres of woodland in the National Forest, with paths throughout the site and a wide choice of walks and cycle routes nearby.
Explore Nethercote Wood
Step out of your pitch and into the woods. Our rides, paths and glades offer plenty of room to wander, notice wildlife and find your own quiet corner.
We are planning to GPS-map short, medium and full woodland routes. Until they have been walked and measured properly, we will keep the joy of exploring informal and avoid publishing guessed distances.
What would you like to do?
Pick the kind of day you want, then jump straight to the route that fits.
Walking and cycling around Fire & Stars
Use this simple guide to see how the woodland connects with nearby trails, parks and longer routes through the National Forest.
Fire & Stars woodland
Walk straight from your tent and explore the rides, paths and glades across Nethercote Wood.
Our woodland routes are informal rather than waymarked trails. Conditions change with the weather, and some paths can be muddy or uneven.
Ashby Canal
Quiet towpaths, wildlife and reminders of the area's industrial past make the Ashby Canal an easy-going local option.
The canal is known for its rural character and rich wildlife. Towpath surfaces and access vary, so check current information before choosing a section.
Canal & River Trust informationSence Valley Forest Park
Lakes, woodland and open grassland make this one of the easiest nearby places to tailor a walk to the time and energy you have.
Shorter routes suit families and a surfaced, fairly level All Ability Trail provides the clearest easier-access option nearby.
Plan a visit to Sence ValleyNational Forest Way
Two nearby stages connect Sence Valley, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Ticknall through the changing landscape of the National Forest.
Sence Valley to Ashby-de-la-Zouch
A varied walk linking the forest park with Ashby.
View route and official mapAshby-de-la-Zouch to Ticknall
A longer stage through woodland, farmland and historic parkland.
View route and official mapHeart of the Forest Trail
A circular trail through the regenerated heart of the National Forest, where former industrial and mining land has become woodland and wildlife habitat.
Combine both for a longer 10-mile walk. The story feels close to home for us: at Nethercote Wood, restoration also means giving a working woodland more resilience, variety and space for nature.
From first pedals to forest trails
Young riders can build confidence away from traffic, while experienced mountain bikers can find berms, bumps and longer loops nearby.
Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail
This 3.4-mile / 5.5km shared walking and cycling trail follows the former Ashby and Nuneaton railway between the Measham and Moira area.
It is fully traffic-free and connects into Donisthorpe Woodland Park and Moira Furnace. A strong choice for parents bringing children's bikes who do not want to use rural roads.
Official route informationHicks Lodge: National Forest Cycle Centre
Three official trails make it easy to match the ride to confidence and ability.
Pedal & Play
2km / 1.25 miles · Green
Wide, gentle and designed for beginners, younger riders and inclusive cycling.
Trail details →Wood Farm Trail
4.4km / 2.75 miles · Green
A family-friendly off-road route for riders ready to explore a little further.
Trail details →Shell Brook Trail
8.9km / 5.5 miles · Blue
An intermediate mountain-bike trail with rougher ground, jumps, bumps and berms.
Trail details →Beginner → family adventure → intermediate mountain biking
Hicks Lodge also has a café, toilets, play area, bird hide and cycle facilities. Bike hire and services can change, so check Forestry England before travelling.
Check current visitor informationSnibston Colliery Park
Built for confident riders
Coalville's 4km blue-grade mountain-bike trail packs in jumps, bumps and berms, supported by a skills area and pump track.
Best for: mountain bikes and more confident riders.
Official park informationExtend the day
Donisthorpe Woodland Park
A restored former colliery with mixed woodland, surfaced paths and direct connections to both the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail and restored Ashby Canal.
Explore DonisthorpeSpires & Stiles
9 miles / 14.5km · around 4 hours
A more demanding circuit across countryside, woodland and farmland. It uses unsurfaced paths and stiles, and can be muddy after rain.
View the official walkStart with what feels comfortable
Good with younger children
- Fire & Stars woodland for informal exploring
- Hicks Lodge Pedal & Play
- Hicks Lodge Wood Farm Trail
- Sence Valley's shorter walks
Pushchairs and easier access
- Sence Valley's 1km All Ability Trail is surfaced and fairly level
- Hicks Lodge's short Dilworth Woodlands loop is suitable for pushchairs and mobility aids
We have not yet completed a formal accessibility assessment of Fire & Stars woodland paths, so we do not describe them as wheelchair or pushchair accessible.
A little preparation goes a long way
- Woodland and countryside paths can become muddy after rain.
- Take water on longer walks.
- Check current route and trail conditions before travelling.
- Keep dogs under control around livestock.
- Take litter home.
- Cyclists should ride within their ability.
- Mobile coverage can be patchy, so download your route first.
Explore a living habitat
The National Forest is somewhere to roam, ride and play, but it is also home. Staying on paths where requested, giving wildlife space and leaving places as you found them helps the woodland thrive.
At Fire & Stars, that care continues through our own restoration and conservation work.
Adventure by day. Campfire by night.
Return to the woodland after a day exploring the National Forest, light the fire and settle in as evening arrives between the trees.