Walking in Leicestershire: 26 Circular Walks

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Much of this part of the Midlands was neglected and bruised by hundreds of years of coal mining and heavy industry. Yet today, the west of Leicestershire is at the heart of a tremendous rewilding project, known as the National Forest. If you plan to spend a few days walking, the Leicestershire Round long-distance trail passes through the park. But at just over 102 miles, it’s certainly a bit more than the average afternoon’s dog walk in Leicestershire. 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). 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.

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. There’s lots of birdlife and other wildlife to see here too, so keep your eyes open as you amble around.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!) 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. A eleven and half mile country walk in evocative Rutlandshire from Rutland Water to the neighbouring villages of Greetham and Exton.

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.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

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 English Country house was initially built in 1902 and remains a private home. But its tranquil gardens are a perfect local escape.

Other walks nearby

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. 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

Once you reach the road you need to do a road walk to the right. Alternatively, as it is a narrow and busy road it is safer to walk along the headland of the field which will bring you out just short of the bridge over the River Sense. Continue along and eventually there is a wide grass verge you can use. 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. 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. 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. 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.If you need a place to refresh you and your pup, stop by the Queen’s Head or the Crown Inn in nearby Coalville.