Winter Family Walk at Swynnerton Old Park, Staffordshire – Woodlands & Scenic Views

Saturday 18th January 2025

After a month of mostly sticking to local walks, we finally decided it was time to shake off the cabin fever, pack the car, and head somewhere a little different. Well, not brand new – we revisited Swynnerton Old Park, a spot we fell in love with during the summer when we’d first taken on our walking pledge. Woodland walks are a big favourite in our house, so everyone was buzzing as we pulled into the (slightly bumpy) car park.

Speaking of the car park – it’s free and decently sized but definitely a bit potholed at the entrance. It was much busier this time compared to our midweek summer stroll, though we were braced for that since it’s a popular haunt for walkers and mountain bikers alike. Thankfully, the January weather wasn’t exactly inviting—cold and cloudy around 2°C – so it wasn’t completely rammed.

We were well wrapped up for the chill and ready for anything with our trekking poles in hand. A good call, too, as parts of the trail were quite slippery. Our plan was to walk the full circumference of the woodland again and see how much it had changed in winter. Spoiler alert: it was brilliant! The bracken and undergrowth had completely died back, making the trails far easier to navigate.

The boys were absolute troopers, powering through hills and dips with no complaints, which was a lovely change from our summer visit when it had been a bit of a struggle for them. Eight months of hiking really does make a difference! Their secret weapon? Army ration pack snacks. A Christmas gift from their uncle, who’d been inspired by hearing about all their adventures. Those treats were a huge hit and kept their energy up right to the end.

We didn’t encounter as many walkers as I’d expected, given how full the car park was, but we did see plenty of mountain bikers. This, of course, had the boys already planning our next trip – this time with their bikes!

By the time we reached the car, we were all feeling pretty pleased with ourselves – not too cold, not too tired, and still smiling. Swynnerton Old Park has yet again proved itself to be a fantastic spot for a family adventure, whatever the season. Now, time to clean the mud off our boots and dream of our next outing!

Family Feedback on this week’s walk

Today’s walk ended up being a total hit. There was a bit of disappointment from the youngest when I told him we were walking today (yes, it’s not all fairy tale family walks I’m afraid 😉 ). He was adamant he didn’t want to walk, but once we were outside and walking he turned and said to me “I really love this walk Mummy”.

TOTAL MILES: 4.76 | TOTAL TIME: 2h21 (1h49 Moving Time)

Good to Know

Car Parking: Some parking along the lane in, but a good sized (if not pot-holey) car park can be found at ///clown.shovels.dawn

Toilets: None.

Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs – unless you stick to the main gravel pathway.

Café/Picnic Spots: No specific spots but bring a picnic blanket and find somewhere you like.

Terrain: Lots of inclines and declines, most short but could be tiring for the younger/older/less experienced.

Family-Friendly Tips: Enjoy the surroundings! Spot trains, climb trees, find a favourite stick!

Safety Information: Some parts of the path are muddy and slippery. Wellies or sturdy walking boots are advised. Trekking poles can be useful to keep yourself stable.