Walking in Leicestershire: 26 Circular Walks

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A eleven and half mile country walk in evocative Rutlandshire from Rutland Water to the neighbouring villages of Greetham and Exton. It’s possible to do this long canalside walk in a day, and it’s one of those routes where you’ll feel real achievement for completing it. Despite the length, the route isn’t challenging as it is largely flat and level, following towpaths and trails. You’ll take in both the grand union canal and a section of the River Sour on this waterside dog walk, and the perfect opportunity to explore some of the Sour Valley. Not to be confused with Scotland's Great Glen, this is a much more sedate offering of a pleasant five mile walk in the beauty of rural Leicestershire. 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. There is a bird hide and lake hidden within the woods, making it a great place to watch wildlife. Your dog will probably be more interested in trying to get in the water themselves, though. If you have kids, be sure to stop by the pond-dipping platform. Then, you and your pup can help them sniff out the various art features scattered throughout the wood.

There’s lots of birdlife and other wildlife to see here too, so keep your eyes open as you amble around. There are plenty of facilities at the visitor centre at the battlefield, so you can easily spend the day walking through the beautiful countryside and learning about the historic battle here that ended the War of the Roses. You can also stop by Sutton Wharf cafe, where muddy boots, families, and furry friends are always welcome. This is a fantastic walk to sample long stretches of the Leicestershire countryside and let your pup have plenty of time running free through the fields. During the challenging past year, many of us have made major lifestyle changes whether they are conscious or subconscious. 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.

New adventures in the National Forest

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.

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.A walk near the northern outskirts of Leicester through a series of country parks with two hilltops providing excellent views. This English Country house was initially built in 1902 and remains a private home. But its tranquil gardens are a perfect local escape. About halfway through the walk, you’ll get to Worthington, so it’s a good chance to stop by The Malt Shovel to take a break. Just remember that the pub in Wilson, a village later in the walk, is now permanently closed so you’ll have to remember to stop for facilities elsewhere.

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. If you live in the city and want a break that is closeby, Aylestone Meadows is a great spot. Charnwood Water, Loughborough You’ll need good walking gear and a map to complete this walk. But the variety of landscapes and gradients is sure to keep you and your pup on your toes and leave you tired but longing for more at the end of your ramble.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. 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.

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. If you need a place to refresh you and your pup, stop by the Queen’s Head or the Crown Inn in nearby Coalville. With lots to do and see this is a perfect spot for family walks and bike rides. Read More Related Articles They sit alongside a number of flowered gardens and a large arboretum - perfect for a peaceful stroll. Thornton Reservoir, Thornton The Plough Inn in Ratby offers a warm welcome for people and pooches alike, as does The Bull’s Head. By starting and ending this walk in Ratby, you can make the most of the local facilities, as well as combine this route with other local walks to lengthen your outdoor adventure with your canine companion. This fairly long walk already takes you through the woods, to Groby and around Groby Pool for a moderate walk through varied surroundings.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. Some of the charming features from the original 1802 gardens remains alongside the rest of space which was redesigned in the late 19th century. 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. 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. 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.