The Washlands Circular

The Washlands Circular is a proper walking route that loops around a series of flood management basins near Burton-on-Trent - basically large, shallow reservoirs designed to soak up excess water when the rivers get angry. Don't let that put you off though. What you're actually walking through is surprisingly pleasant countryside, with open water, grassland, and reasonable views across the Trent Valley.

It's a flat, easy walk - no climbing involved - which makes it ideal for families with younger kids or anyone not keen on steep ascents. The circuit takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace, depending on which bits you tackle. The landscape changes enough to keep things interesting: one stretch follows the water's edge, another cuts across more open ground with distant views.

This is the kind of place that works well as part of a wider park holiday in the area. Peake's Retreats is just a few miles away and highly rated, so you could base yourself there and use the Washlands as a morning stroll before heading elsewhere. It's genuinely useful if you want a low-key walk that won't knacker you out.

Go during spring or autumn when the light is best and you won't overheat slogging round the full loop. The paths are open access - free, no gates, no faffing about. Bring binoculars if you're remotely interested in birds, as the water attracts plenty. On a grey day it feels a bit exposed and bleak, so weather matters here.