Top 10 Walks in Leicestershire

Bordering the imposing peaks of Derbyshire and the ancient forests of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire is famous for its quaint countryside and heritage landscapes. From the markets of Melton Mowbray to the canal at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, the county rewards its explorers with elegant vistas and peaceful locales, whether you enjoy urban ambling or woodland hikes. We’ve compiled a list of the best walks in Leicestershire to direct you to some of the most striking countryside close to home. 

 

1. The National Forest Way 

The National Forest Way is a hiking trail spanning 75 miles across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. It’s separated into 12 ‘stages’ of the walk, all of which can be enjoyed individually or as a combined challenge. Leicestershire’s leg of the trail includes stages 1 to 5, spanning 35.7 miles between Beacon Hill and Ticnall. Throughout the hike, you’ll encounter woodland, farmland, reservoirs and lakes, and enjoy deer parks and duck ponds.  

Style: Endurance
Scenery: Farmland, Woodland, Heritage
Length: 35.7 miles
Beginning: Beacon Hill 

 

1. Medbourne and Nevill Holt Circular 

A pleasant village steeped in local history, Medbourne features a medieval bridge and an elegant Victorian church, both on display along the Medbourne and Nevill Holt Circular. The route passes through the village, leaving through the fields and woodland along Manor Road before curving back around to end in Medbourne. A gastropub is available at the Nevill Arms Inn, offering a pleasant respite after completing the hike.  

Style: Casual
Scenery: Woodland, Heritage
Length: 4.7 miles
Beginning: Medbourne 

 

1. Watermead Country Park Circular 

Watermead is one of the most popular country parks in Leicestershire, known for its vast lakes and proximity to Leicester. While freewalking Watermead is fulfilling in its own right, there is a circular route available to take you past the core attractions of the park – the Watermead Country Park Circular. This route covers some prime birdwatching areas, as well as waterside paths and woodland, and is an excellent spot for on-lead dogs to enjoy the park as well. Watermead’s paving allows wheelchair users to enjoy the hike, although it’s important to consider options for redirection if some paths are inaccessible.  

Style: Casual
Scenery: Waterside, Heritage
Length: 4.8 miles
Beginning: Watermead South Car Park 

 

1. Staunton Harold Reservoir and Calke Park Circular 

Calke Abbey is an enormous stately home located just north of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, surrounded by 240 hectares of woodland, grassland, and lakes. The circular hiking trail around Staunton Reservoir and Calke Park is a wonderful place to wind down, with sections of the path enjoying a prime view of Calke Abbey and others crossing the reservoir and passing several ponds excellent for birdwatching. The route has a small elevation change of 179 meters, allowing you to push yourself without overexerting.  

Style: Casual
Scenery: Waterside, Heritage
Length: 3.2 miles
Beginning: Main Street Car Park 

 

1. Bosworth Battlefield and Shenton Circular 

Leicestershire is renowned for its long and rich history, and nowhere holds quite as much claim to it as the Bosworth Battlefield. The area is famous for the Battle of Bosworth, where Richard III – the last king of York – was killed in 1485. You can explore the battlefield for yourself along the Bosworth and Shenton Circular, a strenuous 3 hour hike covering key points such as King Richard’s Well and climbing Ambion Hill at its northern point.  

Style: Ascent
Scenery: Woodland, Hilltop
Length: 6.3 miles
Beginning: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre 

 

1. Bardon Hill Loop 

The countryside of Leicestershire is made up of a majority of lowland farms, with challenging hikes limited to length rather than height. The Bardon Hill Loop, however, provides a strenuous ascent to Leicestershire’s highest point, bringing the thrill of Derbyshire’s peaks closer to home. Ascending an imposing 400 feet, the hike up and down Bardon Hill takes just under two and a half hours, and it’s considered an intermediate route by outdoorsmen. From the top, you’ll have a splendid view of the Leicestershire lowlands, as well as a sneak peak at Bardon’s active granite mine.  

Style: Ascent
Scenery: Hilltop, Quarry
Length: 5.51 miles
Beginning: Warren Hills Road Car Park 

 

1. Foxton Locks to the Grand Union Canal 

The Foxton Locks are a 200-year-old canal feature located between Foxton and Gumley, a few miles west of Market Harborough. They make for an excellent waterside walk, with a wonderful view of the mechanisms and a nearby pub available for a welcome break. The route between the Foxton Locks and the Grand Union Canal is a relatively short walk, but it’s an enjoyable exercise to explore a little more of Leicestershire’s countryside. Expect to see plenty of ducks and dogs, since this is one of the most popular dog walks in Leicestershire. 

Style: Casual
Scenery: Waterside
Length: 2.73 miles
Beginning: Foxton Locks Long Stay Car Park 

 

1. Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and Grantham Canal 

While Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoire is located in Lancashire, not Leicestershire, it falls along the county border and remains accessible to residents of both. This waterside loop follows the route of several countryside lanes, crossing a variety of road surfaces and giving you a wonderful view of Belvoir Castle along the way. The canal itself is surrounded by woodland, making the route secluded and peaceful, while other areas enjoy open fields and farmland.  

Style: Casual
Scenery: Waterside
Length: 5 miles
Beginning: Worthington Lane, Woolsthorpe 

 

1. Rushey Mead and Appleton Park 

There are plenty of beautiful parks in Leicestershire, and Appleton is among them. Located in the Thurmaston suburb of Leicester, this pleasant green space is available for residents and visitors alike. The hike itself covers just over 2 miles between Appleton and Rushy Mead, serving as a lovely urban route through the Soar Valley College. If you find it difficult to venture into the countryside, this peaceful walk allows you to experience Leicester’s green spaces close to home.  

Style: Casual
Scenery: Urban, Parkland
Length: 2.1 miles
Beginning: Rushey Mead Recreation Centre 

 

1. Buried Bouskell Self-Guided Walk 

Leicestershire is renowned for its archaeological value, with a number of earthworks and historic sites for residents to explore. You can experience these on numerous heritage walks across the county, but the Buried Bouskell walk is explicitly designed around it; outlined by Mathew Morris of the University of Leicester, it explores the history of the medieval village beneath the park grass in Bouskell Park, Blaby. You can look forward to a relaxing tour across level ground, ideal for those with mobility aids.  

Style: Casual
Scenery: Parkland, Heritage
Length: 0.5 miles
Beginning: Bouskell Car Park 

 

Looking for things to do from your new home in Leicestershire? 

Leicestershire is a wonderful place to explore the surrounding countryside, but that isn’t its only selling point; there are also plenty of activities and day trips close by. Discover the very best that Leicestershire has to offer from your brand new Georgian or Victorian home, whether you’re moving into the city or out to Market Harborough.