Water's edge walks in the Midlands

Walking by water is a surefire shortcut to happiness. Whet your appetite with these top riverside strolls.

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This article was created before the coronavirus crisis, and may not reflect the current situation. There may be restrictions in place on some of these walks. Please make sure you check web pages for individual places before you travel for booking details and the most up to date information about visiting

Packwood House parkland in the autumn
Walking trail

Packwood House, Warwickshire 

Stroll down the vibrant canal paths of the Arden countryside, through medieval fields where cows lazily graze the grasslands.

Packwood House to Baddesley Clinton
The Stepping Stones on the River Dove in Dovedale
Walking trail

Ilam Park, White Peak Estate, Peak District 

With the river bubbling by your side, you’ll wander through woodland before testing your balancing skills on the river stones.

Ilam to Dovedale stepping stones
Early morning sun shining through autumn trees at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Walking trail

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire 

Follow in the footsteps of lords and ladies as you stroll through the estate’s woodlands. Then head down to the lakeside, where you can see red-beaked oystercatchers, white-faced coots and tall, grey herons bathing in the shallow water.

Kedleston long walk
A man and three children by a boat on a canal
Walking trail

Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire 

This gentle riverside walk takes in the convivial atmosphere of the Grand Union Canal before ending at the Tudor house of Baddesley Clinton.

Baddesley Clinton canal walk