The best walks and hikes around Bretby
4.6
(2014)
13,629
hikers
730
hikes
Hiking around Bretby, a village in Derbyshire, offers a variety of trails through a landscape characterized by gentle river valleys, historical sites, and local woodlands. The area, situated near Burton upon Trent, features paths that often connect points of interest such as Bretby Hall and Bretby Castle. Hikers can expect a mix of open countryside and shaded routes, providing diverse scenery for outdoor exploration.
Best hiking trails around Bretby
- The most popular hiking route is Stapenhill Suspension Bridge – Andresey Bridge loop from Burton upon Trent, a 3.3 miles (5.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 23 minutes to complete. This easy route follows riverside paths, offering views of the River Trent and its bridges.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bretby Hall Hospital – Bretby Castle loop from Bretby, an easy 4.2 miles (6.7 km) path. This trail explores historical landmarks within the Bretby area, providing insights into the local heritage.
- Local hikers also love the Sledge Wood – Repton Shrubs loop from Foremark Reservoir, a 4.2 miles (6.8 km) trail leading through wooded areas and past the reservoir, often completed in about 1 hour 54 minutes.
- Hiking around Bretby is defined by river plains, historical estates, and local woodlands, offering a blend of natural and cultural exploration. The network provides options for easy, moderate, and some more challenging routes, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Bretby are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1800 reviews. More than 13000 hikers have used komoot to explore Bretby's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.8
(4)
56
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
25
hikers
5.46km
01:29
80m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
22
hikers
6.86km
01:55
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
28
hikers
9.64km
02:27
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
21
hikers
6.44km
01:44
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent. Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton. The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.
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The Ferry Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the River Trent. It was opened in 1889 and replaced a small ferry service that had run since the 13th century. It's a semi-suspension bridge and was the only one of this design to be built in Europe.
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Andresey Bridge, Burton on Trent The Andresey Bridge is a Grade II-listed (List entry Number: 1288956 LinkExternal link Historic England), elegant, single-span iron footbridge with latticed arched sides supporting the walkway. It was made in 1884 and leads across the river to Andresey Island, one of several islands formed by the River Trent which divides into several streams at this point.
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A nice steady climb up through the fields, sandy in places, views of Foremark to the left
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Spanning the River Trent in Burton-on-Trent, Stapenhill Suspension Bridge is unique in Europe thanks to its semi-suspension design. Built in 1888 to replace a ferry service over the river, the bridge is a lovely example of Victorian engineering. There's a plaque at the bridge with more information about its history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Bretby?
There are over 700 hiking routes around Bretby, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. Over 400 of these are classified as easy, with nearly 300 moderate routes and a few more challenging trails.
Are there easy hiking routes suitable for beginners in Bretby?
Yes, Bretby offers many easy routes perfect for beginners. An excellent option is the Stapenhill Suspension Bridge – Andresey Bridge loop from Burton upon Trent, which is 3.3 miles (5.4 km) long and takes about 1 hour 23 minutes, following pleasant riverside paths.
What kind of historical landmarks can I explore on hikes near Bretby?
Bretby's trails often weave through areas rich in history. You can explore sites like Bretby Hall and Bretby Castle. The Bretby Hall Hospital – Bretby Castle loop from Bretby is a great way to discover these historical points of interest.
Are there any circular walks in the Bretby area?
Many of the routes around Bretby are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Sledge Wood – Repton Shrubs loop from Foremark Reservoir is a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) circular trail through woodlands.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Bretby?
The trails in Bretby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1800 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, which includes gentle river valleys, historical sites, and local woodlands, providing a blend of natural and cultural exploration.
Are there any trails that pass by lakes or reservoirs near Bretby?
Yes, several routes offer views of local water bodies. You can find trails near Staunton Harold Reservoir and Melbourne Pool. The Sledge Wood – Repton Shrubs loop from Foremark Reservoir is one such trail that leads past a reservoir.
Can I find longer, more challenging hikes in Bretby?
While Bretby is known for its many easy and moderate trails, there are some longer options. For a moderate challenge, consider the Drakelow Viaduct – WWII Pillbox – Stop Line No. 5 loop from Burton upon Trent, which is 5.8 miles (9.3 km) and takes about 2 hours 21 minutes.
What are some interesting natural attractions or viewpoints along the trails?
Beyond the general scenery, you can find specific natural highlights. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is a notable natural attraction. Additionally, Staunton Harold Reservoir and Visitor Centre offers scenic views.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for families with children?
Many of the easy, shorter loops are ideal for families. The riverside paths, such as those found on the Stapenhill Suspension Bridge – Andresey Bridge loop, are generally flat and offer engaging scenery for younger hikers.
What is the typical duration for hikes in Bretby?
Hike durations in Bretby vary widely. Many easy routes, like the Bretby Hall Hospital loop from Swadlincote, can be completed in under 1.5 hours. Moderate trails might take 2-3 hours, and longer routes can extend beyond that, depending on your pace.
Are there any trails that feature unique historical or industrial heritage?
Yes, the region has a rich industrial past. You can find trails that pass by sites like Moira Furnace and Canal, offering a glimpse into the area's heritage. The Drakelow Viaduct – WWII Pillbox – Stop Line No. 5 loop also features unique historical points.
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