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Best nature hiking trails in Leicestershire
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Best nature hiking trails in Leicestershire

Get back to nature with these scenic trips, designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without too much hassle.

Here are some great trails to explore in Leicestershire.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Bosworth Battlefield Walk

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (4) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 8 min

2

Easy

Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (1) · 6.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 28 min

3

Easy

Out Wood and Beacon Hill from Loughborough

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (3) · 11.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 47 min

4

Easy

Cloud Wood Nature Reserve

Leicestershire, England · star 4.0 (1) · 2.6 km · Est. 34 min

5

Easy

Thornton Reservoir from Ratby

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (1) · 10.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 16 min

6

Easy

Blackbrook Reservoir and Nanpantan from Mount St Bernard

Leicestershire, England · star 4.0 (2) · 18.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 14 min

7

Easy

Old John and Beacon Hill

Leicestershire, England · star 0.0 (0) · 14.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 15 min

8

Easy

Desford - Botcheston and Thornton - Reservoir from Ratby

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (2) · 16.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 31 min

9

Easy

Sutton Cheney and Market Bosworth

Leicestershire, England · star 0.0 (0) · 12.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 34 min

10

Easy

Countesthorpe - Willoughby Waterleys and Bruntingthorpe

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (2) · 15.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 12 min

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Reviews for nature hiking trails in Leicestershire

DRUNK ON WANDERLUST avatar

Bosworth Battlefield Walk

DRUNK ON WANDERLUST 路 reviewed about 4 years ago

star star star star star

An interesting trail full of history, some sections were quite boggy due to weather. Showcased some lovely woodland and of course passes the Bosworth heritage centre Full video on my YouTube channel- Drunk On Wanderlust

Rep. Jarvis Ziemann avatar

Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood

PathSummitview94 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Robert Forsyth avatar

Out Wood and Beacon Hill from Loughborough

Bob 路 reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

Vina Kshlerin avatar

Cloud Wood Nature Reserve

PlateauGraniterover82 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Johnny Emeryt avatar

Thornton Reservoir from Ratby

Johnnyemeryt 路 reviewed 4 months ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Leicestershire

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape.聽

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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