The ever-changing landscape of The National Forest makes it a fascinating place for a walk. But a new route has just been devised that explores some of the oldest parts of the Forest, landscapes that were here millennia before the Forest was a gleam in any forester�s eye.

The new 15 mile Charnwood Peaks walk starts from Bradgate Park in Leicestershire and takes in the four peaks that make Charnwood so distinctive: Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill, Bardon Hill and Billa Barra. The walk reveals the most stunning views in The National Forest, visits important sites for wildlife and crosses some of the oldest rocks in Britain.

As well as devising this new walk, the National Forest Company (NFC) has updated and improved its information on how to get out and about in the Forest, with 18 different walking routes and details on which sites are particularly suitable for all abilities. Branston Water Park, Thornton Reservoir, Rosliston Forestry Centre and Sarah�s Wood are just some of the woodlands and attractions with facilities for all abilities. The series of short, medium and long walks covers the varied landscapes of the Forest including the historic Needwood Forest, the distinctive church architecture that inspired the Spires and Stiles walk and the beautiful Staunton Harold reservoir, a gateway to the rolling Melbourne parklands.

Sam Lattaway, Biodiversity & Access Officer for the NFC, said: �Come and enjoy the Forest on foot. The National Forest offers gentle walks in a varied landscape and it�s easy to get to. Walking is a great way to see The National Forest and get some exercise at the same time. It�s healthy, it�s green and, best of all, there�s no admission fee!�

The NFC website has also been revamped, making it the place to visit for walking in The National Forest. In addition to all the NFC walks, there are also links and information on a wide range of walks offered by other organisations within the Forest. See www.nationalforest.org/visit/walks

Many of these walks will be featured in the second National Forest Walking Festival, 16-25 May. The festival provides ten days of walking across the whole of the Forest, and with 42 different guided walks at varying times of day, there�s sure to be something for everyone. See more at www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk

The National Forest walks leaflets and access guides can be downloaded at www.nationalforest.org/visit/walks Alternatively, call the NFC on 01283 551211 or email enquiries@nationalforest.org for hard copies of the guides or for more information.

-ends-

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The National Forest area covers 200 square miles of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Its objective is to increase woodland cover within its boundaries from an initial six per cent to about a third. No multi-purpose forest on this scale has been created in the UK for one thousand years. To date the proportion of woodland cover in the Forest has already trebled to 18 per cent and over 7 million trees have been planted.

2. Year by year, The National Forest has been steadily turning what was once one of the least wooded areas of England into a multi-purpose, sustainable forest. The National Forest provides environmental, social and economic benefits, including landscape enhancement, creation of new wildlife habitats and major new access and leisure opportunities. It is an excellent example of sustainable development � with environmental improvement providing a stimulus both to economic regeneration and to community pride and activity.

3. To achieve these objectives, the National Forest Company leads the creation of The National Forest, working in partnership with landowners, local authorities, private business, voluntary organisations and local communities and has strong support from Government, politicians and the public. The Company, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005, receives grant in aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Media enquiries: contact Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer, or Sam Lattaway, Biodiversity & Access Officer, National Forest Company, on 01283 551211. For background information on The National Forest see www.nationalforest.org Digital images are available: contact media@nationalforest.org