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. 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. 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. 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 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. A north Leicestershire villages exploration of thirteen and a half miles in which Allexton, Hallaton, Medbourne and Blaston are all on the route.

Woodland walks

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. There are plenty of facilities and activities available at the park, including ping-pong tables, sensory garden and lavender maze. There is also the pavilion cafe, which welcomes dogs too. Otherwise, you’re only a mile from the centre of Leicester, so there are many local amenities to take advantage of. 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.

They sit alongside a number of flowered gardens and a large arboretum - perfect for a peaceful stroll. Thornton Reservoir, Thornton 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. 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. 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. Turning left to head northwards, the path you are now following is the very straight bed of the original Great Central Railway. It used to be a main line connection between Manchester and London. You’ll see one of Sustrans’ cast-iron Millennium Mileposts, over 1,000 of which were installed in 2000 along the National Cycle Network. The tree-lined Way is part of Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 6, so your space will be shared with cyclists using the trail. It’s even popular with horse riders too!

Public rights of way

A definitive menu of walks in Leicestershire wouldn’t be complete without visiting the trails around Bosworth Battlefield. The War of the Roses ended here in 1485, when Henry Tudor defeated Richard III, ushering in the Tudor period. If you need a place to refresh you and your pup, stop by the Queen’s Head or the Crown Inn in nearby Coalville. One thing that has been constant throughout the pandemic is a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors while indoor activities have been restricted. Walks that start in adjacent counties or areas but cross the boundary and include sections of the route within Leicestershire. Walk 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.

Start: Your walk starts where the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line runs very close to the River Soar. 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. 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. 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. With lots to do and see this is a perfect spot for family walks and bike rides. Read More Related ArticlesIt’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. 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. 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. 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.

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 moving out of busy cities to learning how to bake bread at home, we have all adapted to a new normal.

Atmospheric ruins set amongst rugged surroundings

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.