Walking in Leicestershire: 26 Circular Walks

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The Great Central Way which runs through the Aylestone Meadows makes for an easy and scenic walking route.

There’s lots of birdlife and other wildlife to see here too, so keep your eyes open as you amble around. 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 The Bradgate in Newtown Linford is a family and dog-friendly pub, making it the perfect spot to rest after your long walk through the forest and hills. 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’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.

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.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! 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. Trek through this rugged but beautiful landscape to reach the highest point in the county atop Beacon Hill. This route will take you from the outskirts of Loughborough, through the Out Woods and country park to the hill. Some of the charming features from the original 1802 gardens remains alongside the rest of space which was redesigned in the late 19th century. 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.

A walk near the northern outskirts of Leicester through a series of country parks with two hilltops providing excellent views. 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. A eleven and half mile country walk in evocative Rutlandshire from Rutland Water to the neighbouring villages of Greetham and Exton. 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. 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.