Moira Blast Furnace and the National Forest
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6.89 miles
Discover a delightful countryside escape with a walk near Moira, Leicestershire, where the scenic blend of fields, towpaths, and gravel tracks offers an accessible adventure for all. While limited parking is available on New Fields Road, visitors will find ample parking facilities at the popular Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park, a key landmark in the area. This makes it an ideal starting point for your exploration. The walking route provides a generally easy-going experience, welcoming families with children and dog walkers alike, though be prepared for some muddy sections, particularly after periods of rainfall. This walk allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Leicestershire countryside, with picturesque views along the way. Moira Furnace itself adds a historical element to the area, so visitors can combine a nature walk with a visit to a site of industrial heritage. Therefore this location provides an excellent experience for anyone seeking a relaxing outdoor activity within a location of historical interest.
Further Information
Moira Blast Furnace is a former iron and steel production site located in the village of Moira, Leicestershire.
It was built in the mid-19th century and was in operation until the mid-1980s. The site has since been preserved as a museum, showcasing the history of iron and steel production in the region. Visitors can tour the blast furnace and learn about the process of iron making through exhibits and interactive displays.
The blast furnace was a key component of the iron-making process, where iron ore, coke (a fuel made from coal), and limestone were melted and combined to produce molten iron. The molten iron was then processed further to produce various forms of steel, which could be used in a wide range of industries including construction, transportation, and manufacturing.
In a blast furnace, the iron ore, coke, and limestone were loaded into the top of the furnace and melted by intense heat generated from the burning coke. The melted iron and slag (a waste product) were separated and drained from the bottom of the furnace, while the remaining waste material was removed from the top. The process was continuous and operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The National Forest in Leicestershire, is a unique and sustainable forest located in the heart of England. It was established in 1995 with the goal of transforming 200 square miles of formerly mined and degraded land into a thriving forest. Today, the National Forest covers over 350 square miles and encompasses parts of Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.
Some interesting facts about the National Forest include:
The National Forest is one of the largest forestation projects in Europe and is a model for sustainable forest management.
The forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and over 200 species of birds.
Over 7 million trees have been planted in the National Forest, which has helped to improve air quality, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and provide recreational opportunities for local communities.
The National Forest also offers a range of outdoor activities, including walking and cycling trails, fishing, and horse riding.
The forest is also home to several notable attractions, including the National Forest Adventure Farm, Conkers, and the Snibston Discovery Park.
Overall, the National Forest in Leicestershire is a unique and valuable environmental asset that provides important ecological, social, and economic benefits for the region.
What will I see on this walk?
