The best walks and hikes around Hoar Cross
4.4
(373)
3,053
hikers
163
hikes
Hiking around Hoar Cross explores the Staffordshire countryside, situated within the National Forest. The region features a mix of agricultural land and the ancient woodlands of the former Needwood Forest. The terrain is generally gentle, with a network of public footpaths and historic trails weaving through the landscape.
Best hiking trails around Hoar Cross
- The most popular hiking route is Jackson's Bank – Noon Column loop from Hoar Cross, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. This easy route leads to the Noon Column sculpture within the Jackson's Bank woodland.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Alrewas Mill Stream – Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath loop from Yoxall, a moderate 8.2 miles (13.2 km) path. This trail follows the canal towpath and explores the surrounding countryside.
- Local hikers also love the Jackson's Bank – Pond at Jackson's Bank loop from Hoar Cross, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail leading through woodland, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Hoar Cross is defined by ancient woodlands, pastoral farmland, and well-maintained public footpaths. The network of trails provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Hoar Cross are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 350 reviews. More than 2,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Hoar Cross's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
5.0
(3)
102
hikers
3.41km
00:54
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
115
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
9
hikers
4.79km
01:19
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
8
hikers
5.21km
01:26
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Great little jewel but be mindful it is popular with dog walkers.
0
0
This stunning sandstone church, often called the most beautiful modern church in England, was built in the 1870s. It was commissioned by Emily Meynell Ingram, widow of Hugo, the first Viscount Halifax, as a tribute to him, and designed by the famous architect George Frederick Bodley.
0
0
Sometimes described as the most beautiful modern church in England, this magnificent sandstone building, with an embattled central tower, dates back to the 1870s and was the inspiration of Emily Meynell Ingram, daughter of the first Viscount Halifax, who was widowed after only eight years of marriage. She commissioned the church, designed by George Frederick Bodley and generally acknowledged as an architectural masterpiece, as a lasting monument to the memory of her husband, Hugo.
0
0
The stream was created from water diverted from the Trent in order to power a mill. Initially a corn mill in medieval times, it later became a cotton mill. Alrewas was also famous for its eel fishery. The miller extracted eels from the stream and supplied them locally. The eel trade survived in the area until 1990.
0
0
A church has stood on the current site since at least 822AD. The current Grade I listed building was mainly built during the 13th, 14th, 16th and 19th centuries. The Normans replaced the simple wooden church with one of local stone which probably occupied the space in the present nave between the two arcades. The tower doorway, the north aisle door and the heavy rough hewn pieces of masonry in the north wall are the oldest remaining parts of the church dating from the original Norman building.
0
0
Enjoy a nice easy canal ride from Alrewas to Fradley Junction and then onto the village of Fradley. The route first follows the Trent and Mersey Canal to Fradley junction before turning south along the Coventry Canal to take you into Fradley. Great on a quiet evening.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Hoar Cross generally difficult?
No, the terrain around Hoar Cross is mostly gentle. The vast majority of trails are rated as easy or moderate, making it an accessible destination for most fitness levels. The landscape is characterized by pastoral farmland and woodlands with well-maintained footpaths rather than steep climbs.
Are there many circular walks available?
Yes, circular routes are very common in the Hoar Cross area, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Many paths loop through the woodlands and fields. For a longer walk, the Alrewas Mill Stream – Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath loop from Yoxall offers a varied experience along the canal.
Can I bring my dog on the walks near Hoar Cross?
Many trails in the National Forest and around Hoar Cross are suitable for walking with dogs. However, you will be walking through active farmland with livestock and woodlands with ground-nesting birds. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control, especially during lambing and nesting seasons.
What are some interesting landmarks to see on a walk?
The area is rich in history and natural features. Many walks offer views of the magnificent Hoar Cross Hall. Within Jackson's Bank woodland, you can find the Noon Column, a unique oak sculpture. The nearby Church of the Holy Angels is also a stunning piece of Victorian architecture often seen on local routes.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks?
Absolutely. The region is great for families. The terrain is generally flat, and there are many shorter routes. The Pond at Jackson's Bank – Jackson's Bank loop from Tatenhill Airfield is a pleasant and relatively short walk that explores the popular woodland area, making it a good option for an outing with children.
Where can I park to start a hike?
While some walks start from the village itself, a common starting point for many trails is the car park at Jackson's Bank. This provides direct access to the woodland's network of paths. Always check for local parking restrictions and be considerate of residents when parking in villages.
What is the landscape like at Jackson's Bank?
Jackson's Bank is a beautiful 35-hectare woodland, a remnant of the ancient Needwood Forest. It features a mix of surfaced and unsurfaced paths winding through oak, cherry, and pine trees. In spring, the woodland floor is known for its impressive displays of bluebells and wild garlic.
Are there any walks with a pub or café nearby?
Yes, you can easily combine a walk with a stop for refreshments. The Deer Park Farm Shop & Café is a popular spot that also serves as the starting point for a walk through their private woodland. Additionally, the nearby villages of Yoxall and Hoar Cross have pubs that are a short distance from the main walking trails.
What do other hikers enjoy about the Hoar Cross area?
The komoot community rates the hikes around Hoar Cross very highly. Reviewers frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodlands, the beauty of the rolling Staffordshire countryside, and the well-maintained network of public footpaths that make exploring the area straightforward and enjoyable.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The mix of ancient woodland, new forest plantings, and farmland creates a diverse habitat. Keep an eye out for various woodland birds. The area is also known for its rich plant life, including the early purple orchid, wood anemone, and bluebells in Jackson's Bank during the spring.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are over 150 hiking routes to explore around Hoar Cross on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls perfect for an afternoon to more substantial moderate hikes that take in a wider portion of the National Forest.
Most popular attractions around Hoar Cross
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
