Hicks Lodge

Due to very wet ground conditions the horse loop at Hicks Lodge is temporarily closed.

Visitor information

A great place to walk, cycle and much more!

In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

A great day out for the budding cyclist, from tearaway toddlers to young teens perfecting their skills, we’ve got a range of trails for beginner to intermediate appetites.

Visit our lakeside bird hide where you can soak in the beautiful scenery and spot some unique wildlife, such as the migratory sand martins. There are also walking and horse riding paths to explore the forest, a play area and a café!

Trail map

What's on

See what else is on
Forest event

Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) Walk

24 February, 23 March, 27 April
10am (24 February and 23 March) 10.30 27 April
Meet at Grounds Café

Join Wild Minds for a relaxing, rejuvenating and re-wilding walk through nature. Learn the art of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and how you can slow down your pace of life for the benefit of your physical and mental health & wellbeing.

This walk will take a short and slow route around the wonderful woodland at Hicks Lodge. You will need good shoes and appropriate clothing as we go ahead in all weathers (apart from high winds). Other than that, all we ask is that you bring along your imagination and an open mind.

£7 per person To book, email contact@wildmindsnature.co.uk, send a message through social media or call 07445 209 725 send a message through social media or call 07445 209 725

Find out more
Forest event

Free taster- Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)

Saturday 27 April
10.30am to 11am
Meet at Grounds Café

Join Wild Minds for a free relaxing, rejuvenating and re-wilding walk through nature. Learn the art of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and how you can slow down your pace of life for the benefit of your physical and mental health & wellbeing.

This walk will take a short and slow route around the wonderful woodland at Hicks Lodge. You will need good shoes and appropriate clothing as we go ahead in all weathers (apart from high winds). Other than that, all we ask is that you bring along your imagination and an open mind.

Free taster event. To book, email contact@wildmindsnature.co.uk, send a message through social media or call 07445 209 725 

Find out more
Forest event

Stride & Stretch (Part of Feel Good in the Forest green social prescribing program)

Every Tuesday from 14 May to 02 July
9.30am - 10.30am
Meet outside Grounds Café

Join Wild Minds on an 8-week programme of accessible exercise for all. This is a perfect way to build a habit and learn some exercises you can continue at home.

These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending. Sessions are suitable for all!    Join Wild Minds on an 8-week programme ofaccessible exercise for all. This is a perfect way to build.a habit and learn some exercises you can continue at home.

Our walking exercise programme combines walking with stretches, strength and balance work to improve overall fitness. You will be guided safely through this wellness walk and feel good in the forest at the same time.  

To book, contact Wild Minds at info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725    

Find out more
Forest event

T’ai-Ga (Part of the Feel Good in the Forest green social prescribing program)

Every Wednesday from 05 June to 24 July
11.30
Meet outside Grounds Café

Join Wild Minds on an 8-week programme of mindful movement combining the ancient practices of T'ai Chi, Qigong and Yoga. T'ai-Ga incorporates exercises from all disciplines to aid flexibility, strength & balance; along with some mindfulness and relaxation.

These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending. Sessions are suitable for all!    

To book, contact Wild Minds at info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725.

Find out more

Things to do

See more things to do

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Hicks Lodge

With the family friendly, off road Wood Farm trail as well as the longer, more challenging Shell Brook trail, Hicks Lodge has cycle routes for all abilities. Find out about cycle hire: Bike Hire – Grounds Cycle Centres

Find out more

Family Forest Trail at Hicks Lodge

​​​​​​This trail takes you into the young woodland around Hicks Lodge, there are stops along the way for you to relax with a picnic and enjoy the views. The Zig-Zags take you down on to the long loop, or you can head back to the visitor centre on the short loop. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as cycles.

Find out more

Gruffalo Party Trail at Hicks Lodge

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.

Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along.

Get the party started with a Gruffalo Party Trail pack

Pick up your pack for just £4 from Grounds Café, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.

Inside you’ll find:

kraft bag to colour in party headband to wear party trail activity leaflet stickers pencil and crayon keepsake sew-on Gruffalo Party patch

Share your party fun using the #GruffaloTrail hashtag.

The Gruffalo © 1999 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Find out more

Wellbeing trail at Hicks Lodge

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Take some time for you and try our new wellbeing trail at Hicks Lodge, a mindful walk through the forest that invites you to really relax. 

Panels along the trail will prompt you to stop, notice, and connect with the wellbeing benefits of the forest environment. 

What to Expect

Themed panels along the trail will invite you to pause, notice, and connect with the forest environment around you.

A forest wellbeing journal is also available to help you get even more benefits from the experience, offering additional mindful things to do while you’re out in the forest and at home.

Get your free copy on-site from our visitor centre or download your forest wellbeing journal before you visit.

Route Info

This trail is supported by Sport England using National Lottery funding.

Find out more

Nearby forests

Sence Valley lake

Sence Valley

Located north-west of Leicester, discover Sence Valley’s history. Once part of a large coal mine that closed in 1996, Forestry England planted 98,000 trees in 1998, transforming the valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors. In 2018  a further 48 hectares (102 acres) of the original opencast was acquired which has now been planted with 100,000 trees which will develop into a mature woodland.

Find out more
Sensory garden at Rosliston

Rosliston Forestry Centre

From surfaced trails and cycle routes to outdoor play areas, a cafe and a sensory garden, a visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre is a great day out for everyone! 

Rosliston Forestry Centre is managed in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council. It was created on former farmland in 1993 and opened in 1994. For more information on things to do -  please visit the Rosliston Forestry Centre website. 

Find out more
Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England