Cropston Reservoir, Hunt's hill and Old John Tower Loop

This easy loop of about 7 km / 4.3 miles with roughly 100 m / 330 ft of ascent gives a very good introduction to the higher ground above Bradgate Park and the waterside setting of Cropston Reservoir. The route is best thought of as a varied circuit rather than a single long climb: you begin near the upper edge of the park, gain height steadily toward Old John, then spend much of the walk moving across open heath-and-parkland slopes with wide views before curving back toward the reservoir side. It suits walkers looking for a half-day outing with a mix of open panoramas, short rocky sections, historic landmarks, and a strong chance of seeing deer. The usual start for this walk is the Hunt’s Hill (Old John) car park, off Sharpley Hill/Warren Hill opposite Benscliffe Road, Newtown Linford, Leicestershire, postcode LE6 0AH. That is the nearest clear landmark and the most practical trailhead for this loop. (bradgatepark.org)

From the start, expect a gentle-to-moderate rise rather than anything sustained or severe. The first part of the walk heads into the Upper Park, where the ground is open and exposed, with a mixture of firm paths, worn grassy tracks, and occasional stony patches. In dry weather this is straightforward walking, but after rain the earth can become slick in places and some of the trodden lines across the grass may be muddy. Because the route sits on elevated ground for much of the outing, wind can be more noticeable than the modest elevation figures suggest. Even on an easy-rated walk, a waterproof layer and an extra warm layer are sensible if conditions are unsettled.

Old John and the high ground

Old John is the standout landmark and the visual anchor of the route. The tower stands on the highest hill in Bradgate Park and is one of Leicestershire’s best-known viewpoints, with outlooks over Cropston Reservoir, Charnwood Forest, and toward Leicester on a clear day. The climb to this point is short but is the main ascent of the walk, and it is where most of the roughly 100 m / 330 ft of elevation gain is felt. Around the summit, the terrain can be uneven underfoot, with exposed rock and short grazed turf, so it is worth slowing down if the ground is wet or if visibility is poor. (en.wikipedia.org)

The hill is historically important as well as scenic. Old John Tower dates from the late 18th century, and the surrounding landscape preserves traces of estate design from that period, including the remains of a horse-racing practice circuit associated with the Grey family’s parkland improvements. Nearby stands the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial, adding another layer of local history to the skyline. This combination of folly, memorial, and ancient parkland gives the walk a stronger historical character than its short distance might suggest. (lrgt.org)

Reservoir views, wildlife, and landscape

As the loop swings around the slopes and edges of the park, Cropston Reservoir becomes a major feature. Built between 1866 and 1871 to supply clean water to Leicester, the reservoir transformed the local landscape and submerged part of the former estate land. It was created in response to the city’s growing need for a reliable water supply, particularly after 19th-century cholera outbreaks. Those broad water views now form one of the most memorable parts of the walk, especially when seen from the higher ground near Old John and Hunt’s Hill. (en.wikipedia.org)

Nature is a major reason to walk here. Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir form a Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognized for both biological and geological importance. The park is especially well known for its ancient parkland character, rocky outcrops, and deer herds. Red and fallow deer are among the species walkers most hope to see, and birdlife around the reservoir and park can be rewarding as well. Keep a respectful distance from deer, particularly during the rut or when animals are resting, and avoid blocking their line of movement. The open slopes and reservoir margins can also attract a range of birds, so carrying binoculars can add a lot to the outing without slowing the walk much. (bradgatepark.org)

Geologically, this is part of Charnwood Forest, one of the most distinctive landscapes in the English Midlands. The rocky knolls and exposed crags around Bradgate Park are not just scenic features; they are part of a nationally important landscape with notable ancient rocks and landforms. That gives the route a more rugged feel than many easy walks