[1] Leave the hostel car park, turn right and follow the tarmac path to the left of the Caravan Club sign. Turn left for a few steps at the road and cross over into Spring Cottage Access Area at the footpath sign. Take the main path to the canal, but leave it and follow the grassy right bank. Turn right at the end of the holiday chalets then left at the waymark post. Turn left along the improved path at the next post and go straight on at a cross-path past a reedy pond.
[2] Turn right upon reaching a large earthen mound and follow the hard track to the end. Pass through the gate and over a footbridge. The path turns away from the stream to reach a road. Cross over into Swainspark Wood. Follow the main path round to the left at a junction. It then curves right past a wooden fence to a junction.
[3] Turn right on the National Cycle Network path and enter Gresley Wood. At the junction, turn left at the information panel and continue on the cycle path. Turn right at the T-junction along a narrower improved path and then left at a cross-path opposite the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Woodland. Turn right at the next junction to Occupation Road.
[4] Turn left then right at the footpath sign through a residential parking area to the lake. Turn right and follow the lakeside road. Turn right at the junction beyond the lake and bear left along the gravel path at the waymark post. Cross the road and turn left along the parallel path and keep straight on between fences where the road turns left.
[5] Cross over and turn right along the road. Turn left immediately beyond the railway on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail and keep straight on beyond the gate through an attractive area of wetland. Turn right through the A-frame at the sign for the Ennstone Trail to return to the Youth Hostel.