Walking in Leicestershire: 26 Circular Walks

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Walk up this steep-sided hill to see one of the best-preserved hill forts in Leicestershire. And once you’ve taken in the scenic views from the top, the surrounding country park is a pretty place to potter too. Start: Your walk starts where the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line runs very close to the River Soar.

The Great Central Way which runs through the Aylestone Meadows makes for an easy and scenic walking route. Find Leicestershire walks from the list below which features the best walking routes in the area. Most are circular walks and are listed from the shortest and easiest to the longest more challenging routes. Map - Leicestershire From there on is a wide lane which takes you into open country and is more or less a straight run until you reach the old Roman Road (grid ref. SK660003). As you progress you will see the tower of the church of Stretton Magna, the sole remaining building of the medieval village which once stood there. Unfortunately it's on private land. If you fancy a more cultured, quieter, walk you can head across the river to explore the ruins of the abbey and Cavendish manor house. But if you have your kids in tow too, they’ll probably find the boating lake and pets corner far more interesting. A short trail leads around the main sights and there’s audio and visual information about the battle as you walk around. A longer, six-mile loop starts from the same place and takes you across the Ashby De La Zouch Canal and through wildflower meadows before ending up in the place where it’s thought King Richard III was killed.

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If you have grown tired of your usual walk, here is a list of local spots that would be ideal for a winter stroll. Each of these places was among the least reviewed but best rated in TripAdvisor: The Outwoods, Woodhouse Eaves Trace the War of the Roses in Bosworth or see an Iron Age hill fort at Burrough Hill . And if you really want to give your legs a workout, there’s a well-maintained 100-mile circular route all around the county. There is a picnic area and toilets here, but should you fancy something more, you and your pooch can drop by the Stag and Hounds pub. There is also The Stilton Cheese Inn nearby, but dogs aren’t allowed inside. There is ongoing work to replace the conifers with native, deciduous trees meaning this mixed woodland will change over the years and already differs to the forest it was several years ago. Several of the pathways have been surfaced, creating an easy circular, accessible walk. During the challenging past year, many of us have made major lifestyle changes whether they are conscious or subconscious.

Some of the charming features from the original 1802 gardens remains alongside the rest of space which was redesigned in the late 19th century. It offers a series of pretty streams and lots of wildlife to look out for. Read More Related Articles Leicestershire and Leicester are home to a number of spots that are perfect for socially-distanced winter walks, as revealed by new research by Clarks. This English Country house was initially built in 1902 and remains a private home. But its tranquil gardens are a perfect local escape. Gently rolling countryside once ridden by Royalty and the upper classes to eradicate the Fox. They failed but they left behind a pleasant area for walking.

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With plenty of opportunities for off-lead roaming, and a gradient sure to tire the legs out, your pup will be well entertained and exercised by the end of this walk. But should you like to spend a few more hours roaming the countryside, you can visit the nearby Melton Country Park or join the Leicestershire Round, (provided you want to spend a few days walking!) Both circuits are on surfaced paths and are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, making this walk and wonderful scenery accessible for all ages and abilities. You will enjoy gentle strolling through tranquil surroundings and can relax by the calm waters of the lakes.

There are facilities at the common with a visitor centre, toilets and cafe so you needn’t wander far to refresh yourself after your walk. If you did fancy a trip to find heartier fare, you and the pup will be welcome at the nearby Acorns Coffee Shop. On reaching the T-junction go straight across and follow the bridleway along the left-hand side of the hedgerow for the length of the field. Although it looks as if the path continues straight on, you need to turn left to the next corner and go through into the next field. Carry on in the same direction, but to the right-hand side of the hedgerow. At the end of that field you go through a gap and cross over to the left-hand side of the hedgerow. Continue along on the same side until you reach the road (grid ref.SP671988).Martinshaw Wood, along with neighbouring Pear Tree Wood and Burroughs Wood, make up the south-east boundary of The National Forest. It’s a prime location for picturesque woodland dog walks in Leicestershire. Your pooch will enjoy a good walk off the lead, stopping to sniff the trees and following their nose through the undergrowth while the humans can enjoy birdsong and tranquil surroundings as they connect with nature and relish the fresh air. This route takes you between Knipton and Branston, passing by the beautiful reservoir on your way. You’ll pass charming cottages in the villages, as well as have wonderful views over the River Devon and reservoir as you come into Branston. This walk is a stunning short stroll through the countryside and villages and can be easily extended by combining it with a walk around Belvoir Castle and the surrounding estate. Alternatively, there is a footpath into Great Glen, which is a slightly longer route and through more open countryside Walk into the village and here again you have a choice of routes. Firstly, at the first road junction you turn right into Beadswell Lane and walk along it to the end. Secondly, you walk on past the first junction and continue until you reach the junction with Main St. The Bell public house (classic car meet every third Tuesday) ?makes up the left-hand corner. Turn right and you will pass an attractive white-painted thatched cottage which was at one time the village Post Office. Carry on past it and then turn right at the village Coat of Arms into Town St. At the far end it joins up with Beadswell Lane. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take a long looping walk from the visitor centre and through the local area, past the place Richard III was believed to have been killed, and along the canal and former railway.

A nine miles linear rural walk between county boundaries from Leicestershire into Lincolnshire. The walk ends in the home town of Mrs Thatcher. Remember to keep your dog under close control in the villages. Don’t worry, they’ll have a chance for a run off the lead once you get to the fields. The Manners Arms in Knipton is a delightful dog-friendly pub and hotel where you and your pooch will be warmly welcomed. Otherwise, The Wheel Inn in Branston is a quaint country pub that will happily cater for you and your pup. The Bradgate in Newtown Linford is a family and dog-friendly pub, making it the perfect spot to rest after your long walk through the forest and hills. The short Battlefield Trail is great for families and anyone interested in history, as you’ll be given audio and visual information about the battle and landscape. Not to mention, the beautiful views of the countryside. One thing that has been constant throughout the pandemic is a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors while indoor activities have been restricted.It stretches across for Leicestershire countryside for almost 22 miles and has a number of attractions en route, including the Bosworth Battlefield visitor centre and Sutton Cheney. If you want to shorten this walk and omit the Out Woods, or simply explore in a more leisurely fashion, you can start from either of the Beacon Hill Country Park car parks. Should you explore more of the country park, you can seek out the chainsaw-carved statues, enjoy several marked walks, and maybe have a BBQ by the upper car park. If you fancied spending a whole weekend walking, the National Forest Way begins in this park and stretches 73 miles to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. This long, circular walk is the perfect opportunity to take your dog and explore the north-west of the county. It’s a long trek, so be sure you both have plenty of stamina for a few hours walking. You will also pass through several villages on the route, so will have the chance to rest and refuel before continuing your adventure.