A Refreshing Circular Walk at Consall Nature Park

Start your journey from the Consall Nature Park car park (opens at 9:00 AM), pop into toilets at the Visitor Centre, then set off through the woods, along the Caldon Canal, stop at the charming Black Lion pub, and return through woodland to your car. Total distance: approximately 3.5 miles (5.7 km); estimate around 1.5 hours, though allow extra for pub time .

Parking & Facilities

Parking: £3 for all day via the honesty box, free to RSPB members. The car park opens at 9:00 AM .

Toilets: Available at the Visitor Centre and for pub customers (Black Lion). Accessible and baby-changing facilities available .

The Route: From Trees to Canal to Tavern

○Start with a woodland stroll on one of the park’s routes:

Green Walk: 1 mile (~30 min)

Red: ~3 miles (~1 hr)

White: ~5 miles (~1.5 hr)

Purple: extension of White; very steep but rewarding views .

○Follow the route through shaded woods to the Caldon Canal towpath.

○Walk along the canal, cross under the railway near Consall Station, and head to the Black Lion pub at Consall Forge .

○After refreshment, retrace your steps or choose a wooded path back to the visitor centre.

The Black Lion Pub: A Canalside Gem

A traditional canalside pub, rustic and cozy with log fires, hearty food, good beer, and beautiful views of steam trains and canal boats. You can get to it by foot, rail, or canal; there’s a small car park for customers nearby .

Highlights & Tips

Consall has woodland tracks, towpaths, stiles, steps, and some steep gradients—so wear comfy, sturdy footwear like walking boots or supportive trainers. It will get muddy in the colder months so wellies would be a good shout.

The Nature Park is rich in biodiversity—listen for woodpeckers, catch glimpses of kingfishers, or spot wildflowers and dragonflies near the ponds and stream .

Weekdays offer a quieter stroll; check weather before venturing out, especially for steeper paths.

You could combine with a steam train ride on the Churnet Valley Railway, scenic gardens at Consall Hall, or pottery at Consall Forge Pottery—perfect to round out your day .

Final Thoughts

This walk beautifully blends woodland calm, canal-side charm, and local heritage. With practical facilities, a welcoming pub, and plenty of natural sights, it's perfect for families, couples, or solo ramblers. Add a steam train ride or pottery stop to turn it into a full-day adventure.

Check out our day here.

Enjoy your walk!

Life Between The Trails 👣