Leicestershire

Exploring Leicestershire

Leicestershire lies in The Midlands, bordered by Nottinghamshire to the north, Lincolnshire and Rutland to the east, Northamptonshire to the south-east, Warwickshire to the south-west and Derbyshire to the north-west. Its landscapes include rolling farmland, wooded hills, river valleys, historic market towns and villages, with countryside ranging from the ancient rocks of Charnwood Forest to the open agricultural landscapes of eastern Leicestershire.

Charnwood Forest, in the north-west of the county, is one of Leicestershire's most distinctive landscapes. Its rocky hills, ancient woodland, heathland and reservoirs provide a varied setting for walking, with footpaths crossing areas around Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Swithland Wood. Bradgate Park combines open parkland, rocky outcrops, ancient trees and the ruins of Bradgate House, while Beacon Hill offers views across the surrounding countryside.

Further west, the National Forest extends across parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, bringing together woodland, former industrial landscapes, farmland and villages. Walking routes connect newly planted forests, established woodland, country parks and historic settlements, providing opportunities for shorter walks and longer routes through the changing landscape.

The River Soar flows north through Leicestershire, passing Leicester, Mountsorrel and Loughborough before joining the River Trent. Its valley includes riverside paths, wetlands, meadows and canal towpaths, with the Grand Union Canal and connected waterways providing additional walking routes. Around Leicester, the river corridor links parks, historic places and green spaces, while further north the countryside becomes more open.

Long-distance trails connect different parts of the county. The Leicestershire Round forms a circular walking route through villages, farmland, woodland and market towns, while the National Forest Way crosses the western part of Leicestershire through woodland and countryside. The Ivanhoe Way explores the landscapes of north-west Leicestershire, and the Midshires Way connects the county with longer routes through central England.

Away from the main trails, Leicestershire's market towns, historic villages and country parks provide opportunities for shorter walks and walking breaks. Market Bosworth, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Melton Mowbray and Loughborough offer access to surrounding countryside, historic sites and local footpaths. The villages and farmland of the Wreake Valley and the countryside around the Vale of Belvoir add further variety to the county's walking landscapes.

From the wooded hills of Charnwood Forest and the developing landscapes of the National Forest to the River Soar and the rolling countryside of eastern Leicestershire, the county can be explored through local walks, riverside paths and longer trails, with accommodation in market towns, villages and countryside locations across the county.