Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail

Route Overview

The Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail is a 3.5-mile walk along a beautifully converted disused railway line that runs through woodland and open countryside on the western fringe of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. This former colliery railway, which once carried coal from the pits of the Leicestershire coalfield, has been transformed into a peaceful green corridor that provides traffic-free walking through a landscape in the process of regeneration and renewal.

Starting from the Moira Furnace end, the route follows the old trackbed north-east towards Ashby through a landscape that has been thoughtfully reclaimed from its industrial past. The railway cuttings have filled with birch, willow, and oak, creating sheltered woodland corridors alive with birdsong. Between the wooded sections, the path opens out to reveal views across the gentle countryside of the National Forest - a massive tree-planting initiative that is gradually transforming the former coalfield into a richly wooded landscape.

The path surface is excellent throughout - a well-maintained mixture of compacted stone and tarmac that remains dry and firm in all weather conditions. The gentle gradient of the former railway means the walking is entirely flat, with no climbs, steps, or obstacles. The route passes through a series of mini nature reserves that have developed along the railway corridor, with wildflower meadows, scrubland, and mature hedgerows providing habitat for a wide range of birds, butterflies, and small mammals.

At the Ashby end, the trail connects with the town's network of paths and streets, making it easy to extend the walk into town for refreshments. At the Moira end, the Moira Furnace Museum and the adjacent Conkers visitor centre in the National Forest provide additional interest and family-friendly activities. The trail has a gentle, regenerative character that reflects the broader transformation of this former industrial landscape into one of England's newest and most ambitious forest environments.

Dog-Friendly Features

The Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail is an excellent off-lead destination for dogs. The enclosed nature of the railway cutting provides natural boundaries on either side, reducing the risk of dogs straying onto roads or farmland. The smooth, well-surfaced path is gentle on paws and provides a predictable, hazard-free walking environment. There are no road crossings along the main section of the trail, and traffic noise is virtually absent once you are on the route.

Dogs love the varied scents of the woodland and hedgerow corridor, and the undergrowth along the edges of the path provides plenty of opportunities for sniffing and investigating. The trail is shared with cyclists, but the path is wide enough for comfortable passing and most users are considerate. Water access is limited along the route - there are no streams or ponds directly on the trail, so carrying water for your dog is advisable, particularly on warmer days.

Dog waste bins are provided at the main access points and at intervals along the trail. The route is popular with local dog walkers, and you are likely to meet other dogs and their owners throughout the day. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes this a good walk for sociable dogs, while the quiet sections further from town suit dogs who prefer a calmer environment.

Getting There & Parking

The most convenient starting point is the Moira Furnace car park (DE12 6AT), which is free and has space for approximately 40 vehicles. This end of the trail also provides access to the Moira Furnace Museum and the adjacent Conkers visitor centre. The car park is well signed from the B5003 between Ashby and Swadlincote.

Alternative access is available from the Ashby end, where the trail meets the town near the recreation ground on Nottingham Road. Town centre parking in Ashby is available at the North Street car park (LE65 1HU) from where it is a 10-minute walk to join the trail. There is no railway station in Ashby or Moira - the nearest station is Burton upon Trent, approximately 10 miles away.

Seasonal Tips

The Heritage Trail is a genuine all-season walk, thanks to its well-surfaced path that remains dry in all weather. Spring is lovely, with wildflowers emerging along the trail edges and birdsong filling the woodland cuttings - listen for chiffchaffs, blackcaps, and willow warblers returning from Africa. Summer brings butterflies to the meadow sections and dense green shade in the wooded cuttings, making it a cool walk on hot days.

Autumn colour in the birch and oak woodland is attractive, with golden leaves drifting across the path and the hedgerows heavy with berries. Winter walks are quiet and peaceful, with the bare trees revealing the engineering of the railway cuttings and allowing more light to reach the path. The path never becomes muddy or icy, as the stone surface provides excellent drainage and grip. This reliability makes it a valuable fallback option when other walks are too wet or muddy.

Nearby Facilities

At the Moira end, the Moira Furnace Museum is a fascinating industrial heritage site with a cafe that welcomes dogs in the outdoor seating area. The Conkers visitor centre, directly adjacent, has a cafe, adventure playground, and extensive grounds within the National Forest. The Rawdon Arms in Moira is a dog-friendly pub with a good food menu.

At the Ashby end, the town centre has a comprehensive range of shops, cafes, and pubs. The Lamb Inn is particularly popular with dog owners. Public toilets are available at both ends of the trail and in Ashby town centre. Veterinary services are available in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Swadlincote.