Step into nature, around Melton Mowbray, to celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

A major Melton Mowbray bus company is marking the 100th birthday of David Attenborough by highlighting a collection of breathtaking nature walks and outdoor destinations, all easily accessible by bus.

Attenborough’s birthday is on Friday 8th May, and, inspired by his lifelong mission to connect people with the natural world, Stagecoach is encouraging customers to leave the car at home and discover the beauty on their doorstep through greener, more sustainable travel.

From tranquil woodland trails to sparkling rivers and sweeping valley views, each route showcases the kind of landscapes that have defined Attenborough’s storytelling for decades, and every destination can be reached via the Stagecoach network.

Stagecoach East Midlands has curated a selection of scenic walks that reflect the diversity and beauty of the natural world:

-- Melton Country Park Walk: Start: Melton Country Park main car park (off Saxby Road) - A relaxed lakeside and meadow walk with easy paths, wildlife, and picnic areas.

-- River Eye Walk Route: Start: Egerton Park or town centre access points - A gentle riverside walk following the River Eye through town and countryside edges.

-- Egerton Park Stroll: Start: Egerton Park entrance (Wymondham Way) - A compact town park with ornamental gardens, a boating lake, and easy paths.

-- Burton Lazars Walk: Start: Burton Lazars village - A peaceful countryside loop with fields, lanes, and views of rolling farmland.

-- Eye Kettleby Lakes Walk: Start: Eye Kettleby Lakes reception car park - A scenic walk around fishing lakes and countryside surroundings with well-kept paths.

-- Asfordby Hill Walk: Start: Asfordby Hill village - A rural walk with gentle hills, quiet roads, and open views over the Vale of Belvoir.

-- Belvoir Castle Estate Walk: Start: Belvoir Castle visitor car park - A dramatic estate walk with woodland trails, landscaped gardens, and hilltop views.

-- Vale of Belvoir Trails Walks: Start: Various villages (e.g. Waltham-on-the-Wolds) - Rolling countryside walks through one of the most scenic rural areas near Melton.

-- Thorpe Arnold Circular Walk: Start: Thorpe Arnold village - A short circular village walk with farmland views and quiet country lanes.

-- Old Dalby Trail Walk: Start: Old Dalby village - A longer countryside route along former railway lines and open fields.

Even more great local walks are available at www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-midlands/interconnect-bus-walks.

Connecting people with nature, sustainably

As conversations around climate change and conservation continue, a cause championed globally by David Attenborough, Stagecoach East Midlands is proud to offer a practical way for people to reduce their environmental impact while exploring the outdoors.

By travelling by bus, customers can cut emissions, avoid congestion, and enjoy a more relaxed journey straight into nature.

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to appreciate and protect the natural world, and there’s no better way to honour that legacy than by helping people experience it for themselves.

“Our network connects communities to some of the most beautiful landscapes in our region, making it easy to step off the bus and straight into nature.

“We want to make exploring these incredible places as simple and sustainable as possible, encouraging more people to discover what’s right on their doorstep while reducing their environmental footprint.

“Customers can plan their journey using the Stagecoach Bus App or our online Journey Planner. This milestone birthday is a chance not just to celebrate an icon, but to reconnect with the natural world he has spent a lifetime protecting.”