Get Active in the Forest

Self-led activities

 

Cycling

South Derbyshire and The National Forest provide an ideal environment for cycling. To browse The National Forest’s guide to the best places to cycle in South Derbyshire please use the following link:

Explore Scenic Cycling Trails in the National Forest.

Cadley Park:

Cadley Park has been created on the site of the old Cadley Hill colliery which was established in 1861. In the early 1980s it still employed 3500 men who produced two million tons of coal. The site is now a new park within the Swadlincote area, with the aim of providing an environment which encourages and facilitates active travel, engagement in active environments and a rich biodiverse nature area for the local population of Swadlincote and the wider District to enjoy, connecting existing and new communities together.

The park is 3.89 hectares in size provides a facility mix of cycle features such as a pump track and learn to ride zone, pedestrian walkways, and environmental and biodiversity resources as well as its connectivity to the wider area.

Rosliston Forestry Centre:

Sites where you can indulge in a passion, or put your pedal power to the test, including Rosliston Forestry Centre, which offers a range of routes for all abilities. Get Active in the Forest host a cycling group, led by a British Cycling Instructor at Rosliston Forestry Centre every Friday morning from 10-11am. Rental bikes are also made available to both adults and children for up to 4 hours to explore what Rosliston Forestry Centre has to offer.

Other Sites and Routes:

There are several published cycling routes within South Derbyshire that are suited to all of the family, as well as experienced cyclists:

More routes, as well as a wide variety of cycling information and advice, are available from Cycling Derbyshire  and Sustrans. This includes an interactive map of walking and cycling routes which can be found on the Visit South Derbyshire website.

Just the over the border in North-West Leicestershire, Hicks Lodge and Snibston Colliery Park provides a pump track for cyclists to practice their skills and also hosts trails for cyclists of all abilities, whether using a bike with stabilisers or climbing the terrain on a mountain bike.

We want to make sure South Derbyshire provides an environment to enable people of all ages to cycle regularly for leisure, active travel, commuting or sport. Our efforts to achieve this includes the Active School Partnership's Bikeability offer. The programme delivers courses across South Derbyshire schools, providing the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on the roads.

Bicycle parking has been made available across the district, please click here to see a map of the locations.

 

Jogging & Running

 

Jogging and running are simple and cheap ways to get fit. They can be done almost anywhere, at any time and with barely any equipment.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are, just grab your trainers, find a pace that works for you and you'll soon see your fitness levels improve!

 

JOG Derbyshire

JOG Derbyshire groups are friendly and help support beginners or those getting back into the groove.

A qualified jog leader will always be on hand to provide advice and motivation to help you reach your goal.

Sessions are held in locations including Melbourne, Overseal & Swadlincote. Find out more details on the JOG Derbyshire website.

If you are interested in becoming a Jog Leader and setting up your own jogging group, visit JOG Derbyshire for more information.

 

parkrun

parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning.

parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along. It doesn't matter how fast you go. All that matters is that you enjoy yourself.

The Swadlincote junior parkrun, covering 2km, is held at Maurice Lea Memorial park, in Church Gresley.

The adult version, covering 5km, takes place at Rosliston Forestry Centre.

Coronation park volunteering

The Coronation Park parkrun was set up last year and our very own Active Communities & Health team volunteered their time as marshals, timekeepers, barcode scanners, and tail walkers for event #27 cheering on the amazing runners! We’re proud to have supported this event not just with our time, but also by helping procure a new gazebo, sack truck, folding table, speaker & mic, and even a PB bell to make future events even better.

You only need to register once to take part in any parkrun event anywhere in the world - simply use your barcode each time you run.

 

Walking

 

South Derbyshire, located at the heart of The National Forest, is a scenic and spectacular place to put your best foot forward.

Whether you’re a motivated walker, or need a little extra encouragement, we have something to suit everyone, including Walk Derbyshire walks, Nordic Walking and themed walks. 

Nordic walking is one of the fastest growing physical activities and is a great way to burn calories. Originating from cross-country skiing, it involves using poles to reduce impact on your joints. It is on offer in the District, with sessions for beginners included:

  • Tuesdays from 1:30pm at Rosliston Forestry Centre (Parkinson's session)
  • Thursdays from 10am at Rosliston Forestry Centre

If the walking bug bites you, there are a variety of fun and fascinating routes waiting to be explored across South Derbyshire:

Further walking and cycling trails along with an interactive map can be found on the Visit South Derbyshire website.

For a map of the parks and facilities in Swadlincote, click here.