The Midlands sits at the centre of England—a region of quiet strength and subtle variety. From the gritstone edges of the Peak District to the rolling Shropshire Hills and the farmland of the East Midlands, it’s a landscape shaped by tradition, working land, and timeless footpaths.
This is walking country that feels grounded. Trails lead through ancient woodlands, over windswept ridges, along rivers and canals, and into market towns that still carry the rhythms of rural life. It’s not dramatic, but it’s rich—full of calm, depth, and slow discovery.
The southern reaches of the Peak District offer a gentler contrast to the northern Dark Peak. Walk along Monsal Dale, Dovedale, and Lathkill Dale, or climb Curbar Edge and Stanage Edge for expansive views. Villages like Bakewell, Hartington, and Eyam provide ideal bases. The Pennine Way, one of Britain’s most iconic long-distance trails, begins in Edale—marking the northern edge of the Midlands and the gateway to wilder walking.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this quiet range of hills includes The Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc, and the Stiperstones. Explore ridge walks and open commons near Church Stretton, or delve into woodlands and river valleys around Clun and Ludlow. The Stiperstones, with its quartzite tors like the Devil's Chair and Manstone Rock, offers dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Between the cities, find peace in places like Cannock Chase, a compact forested Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with easy trails and wildlife-rich heathlands. Nearby, the National Forest is restoring woodland across parts of Leicestershire and Staffordshire—a work-in-progress landscape perfect for slow exploration.
Walk through Rutland Water, follow the Viking Way—a 147-mile route through Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland—or explore paths near Belvoir Castle, Market Harborough, and the Lincolnshire Wolds. These gently undulating landscapes are full of rural charm, historic churches, and field paths that trace deep roots in the land.