7 Walks in Leicestershire

 

There are plenty of green spaces to get out into for walks in Leicestershire – if you know where to look. From trails leading through historic sites and villages to paths alongside canals and reservoirs, this destination is a dreamy option for strolls in the countryside. 

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. 

Here are the seven best walks in Leicestershire to help you get outside.

Old John and Beacon Hill

Two of Leicestershire’s most popular hills

This eight-mile circular walk starts in Bradgate Country Park and takes in two of Leicestershire’s most popular hills. There’s a steep climb up to the 18th-century folly at the top of Old John. The views from Beacon Hill are stunning and, on a clear day, you’ll see the Peak District in the distance. 

See the ruins of Ulverscroft Priory, which date back to the 13th century, and the pretty village of Newtown Linford where there are two pubs along the main street. If you don’t fancy such a long stroll, Bradgate Park has lots of shorter walking trails between the hills, as well as the ruins of a Tudor house to check out.

Look for campsites near Old John.

Bosworth Battlefield Country Park

An insight into the War of the Roses

One of Leicestershire’s best-known historic sites is Bosworth Battlefield. To explore the site, park in the car park at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and choose one of the walking routes. 

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.

Read about more things to do in Leicestershire.

Foxton Locks

A canal walk with 10 locks

See the impressive staircase of 10 locks here on a 4.5-mile loop walk. The route goes along the canal, through woodland and into the village of Foxton. Start at the locks and try to see them in action before heading out into the trees and then looping back along the towpath. 

Afterwards, stop to see the 13th-century St Andrew's Church back in Foxton and have a pint at the pub by the canal. If you want a shorter walk, you can cut out the village and cross the canal to get back to the start.

Pitch up at campsites near Foxton Locks.

Burrough Hill Country Park

An Iron Age hill fort

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.

It’s also possible to do a longer, six-mile walk that goes through the villages of Burrough on the Hill and Somerby, across rolling hills and on field paths. But be warned – it gets muddy and you’re likely to meet sheep grazing, so while dogs are welcome, it’s best to keep them on a lead.

Burrough Hill is a few miles south of Melton Mowbray, so if you work up an appetite on your walk, head there for a pork pie, its culinary speciality.

Want more historic sites? See the best castles to visit in Leicestershire.

Thornton Reservoir

Easy and flat walking trails

If you’re wondering where you can walk in Leicestershire with children, head to Thornton. It’s a small reservoir with a surfaced 2.5-mile track all the way around, so it’s an easy place to stroll. Want to go a bit further? There are paths through the woods to the north of the reservoir. 

There’s lots of birdlife and other wildlife to see here too, so keep your eyes open as you amble around.

Travelling with children? Discover the best parks to visit in Leicestershire.

Great Glen and Burton Overy

Walk between two pretty villages

You’ll start and end in Great Glen on this walk, a village that’s accessible by public transport. It also has two pubs, former coaching inns that used to be on the main road to Leicester. 

Walk through fields and along lanes and farm tracks to get to the small village of Burton Overy, mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Find campsites near Great Glen.

The Leicestershire Round

A walk around the county 

Looking for a challenge? The longest walk by far is the Leicestershire Round, a 100-mile circular walk through the county. It’s usually broken down into 10 sections and goes through many of the areas mentioned already, like Foxton Locks and Burrough Hill.

It also crosses wide river valleys, rugged ridges and rocky areas. In Shackerstone, you can climb aboard a historic steam train on the Battlefield Line.

Find the best campsites in Leicestershire.

 

Inspired to stay in Leicestershire for longer? Check out the Central England Camping Guide for some of the best places to stay.