Area: Leicestershire

'Rights of way & promoted routes ... Local walks ... Family fun outdoors ... Themed walks ... Parks & countryside access ... Groups & guided walks'

About three dozen descriptions of places around and about Leicestershire offering accessible walking facilities.

'Asfordby Parish consists of three villages, Asfordby, Asfordby Valley and Asfordby Hill, which are situated to the north of the River Wreake near to the market town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire ... Land to the south of Asfordby is characterised by water meadows and wash-land areas while the valley setting is emphasised by rising, mainly pasture, land to the north.'

'The Council has a wide range of fantastic green spaces, these provide the opportunity for an enjoyable walk, a family day out and to keep in touch with nature.'

'Extending to 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside the Park has a wild and rugged aspect that you do not expect to find so close to the city with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old ...'

'Since opening in 1999, Brocks Hill Country Park has received increasing interest as a place for informal recreation and now attracts over 150,000 visitors per year ...'

'One of the most striking and historic features in the landscape of eastern Leicestershire. The well-preserved Iron Age hill fort dramatically crowns a steep-sided promontory of land reaching 210m (690 ft), with superb views. A prominent landmark and ready-made arena, the hill has long been a place for public recreation. As well as the grassy hilltop the country park offers diverse wildlife habitats and varied areas to visit ... Since 1970 Leicestershire County Council has leased this 35 hectare site from the Ernest Cook Trust.'

'Castle Hill Country Park, located on the north western fringe of the city, is one of Leicester's largest and more recent parks ... Established in the early 1980's the park comprises some 250 acres of grassland, plantation and broad leaved woodland. The A46, Leicester Western By Pass divides the park into two linear sections'.

Access PDFs of about a score of walks around and about Charnwood; also a number of related documents.

'The parish of Coleorton has an extensive network of public footpaths. Some say this is because workers at Coleorton Hall would walk the shortest distance across the fields from their outlying cottages. But looking at some of the footpaths on the map they seem much more random. We also have parts of The Ivanhoe Way which is a circular route around Leicestershire and the Mining Heritage Trail.'

'The name Countesthorpe originates from the 11th century when the area was part of the marriage dowry of the Countess Judith niece of William the Conqueror. The "thorpe" part of the name is a variant of the Middle English word thorp, meaning hamlet or small village.'

'Local farmer Henry Archer made if possible for Blaby District Council to acquire land to provide the public with a large countryside area which is now called Fosse Meadows. The land had been used as farmland and so to diversify the landscape and habitats, woodlands were designed and over 30,000 trees have now been planted ...'

'A beautiful green, welcoming and peaceful place. The mature trees, broad paths and memorials of the cemetery are complemented by the neat headstone rows in the lawn cemetery and the vibrant, aromatic roses in the Garden of Remembrance.'

'There are lots of fantastic walking routes in the local area and we can help you find the perfect walks for you.'

'We have produced a set of maps based around the following main business sites in Hinckley, offering walks of varying lengths and based around Hinckley’s main business sites. The walks are designed to easily fit into your day, for example your lunch break, to help you improve your health: [1] Harrowbrook Industrial Estate - - - : [2] Wheatfield Industrial Estate - - - : [3] Sketchley Meadows Industrial Estate - - - : [4] Nutts Lane/Logix Industrial Estate - - - : [5] Hinckley Town Centre'

'We offer a full programme of walks and social events, throughout the year. Our walks are mainly in Leicestershire with Bradgate Park, Bosworth Battle Field and the National Forest all nearby. We also travel to the Cotswolds, the Derbyshire Peak District and other counties within the Midlands.'

'The picturesque moated remains of Kirby Muxloe Castle are surrounded by grassed areas and a moat, perfect for picnics or walks. There are also a number of benches situated throughout the grounds.'

'Each year we organise a variety of weekends away, ranging from hard mountain walking to city breaks, usually staying in youth hostels. In addition, we do day walks in the local area and a range of social events.'

'Meets approximately every two weeks. We aim to have two walks departing from the same place,  a longer one of about 5 miles and a shorter one about 3 miles in length.'

'Walking with the Leicestershire and Rutland Walking Group is a great way to get exercise, socialising while you go! The group is an active and friendly walking club for people in their 20s, 30s and 40's. It caters for a wide range of abilities and fitness levels and welcomes new members ...'

'We are a friendly group of people who enjoy walking in the local countryside. Rambles are held every Saturday, usually starting at 10.30 am prompt ... The rambles are generally within 30 minutes of LOUGHBOROUGH by car and are between 5 & 8 miles. Usually we walk at 2 miles per hour, we want to enjoy the views ...' Unfortunately the original Website cited here seems to have disappeared.

'This 35-hectare park was once part of the Bosworth Hall estate, and still retains its distinct parkland features. Here, there are magnificent, mature trees, a lake, a planted arboretum with exotic species, a wildflower meadow and a community woodland ... '

'We organise regular walks in the East Midlands with occasional forays further a-field. All walks are under the supervision of a leader.'

'We are a self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operative for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for our members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications but for fun ... We have more than 600 members and over 70 interest groups.'

'Our walking group gets together on the first Tuesday each month and whilst we have strayed outside the county on a few occasions the walks are usually within a 12 mile radius of Wigston. We rarely exceed 5 miles on a walk, starting at a local pub and returning there for lunch, which is always welcome ... '

'We are made up of the seven local Ramblers' groups in the Leicestershire & Rutland area.'

'We have on offer a wide range of events, activities and interest groups that are run on a financially self-sufficient basis, meeting at regular intervals - mainly during the day time - using various locations around the town of Market Harborough. Walking, cycling outings and holidays groups of course venture further afield!'

'Walk among a sea of snowdrops in February, a blanket of bluebells in May or through the Forest's fiery displays of reds and golds in Autumn.  Download fantastic walks across the three counties of the Forest - Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.'

Held Mid May.

'Established on its present site in Oadby in 1947. It comprises the grounds of four houses: Beaumont, Southmeade, The Knoll and Hastings, which were built early this century and are now used as student residences. The four once-separate gardens have been merged into a single entity, whose 16 acres of lovingly cultivated grounds and greenhouses, display a wide variety of features and environments ... '

'Walk through woodland, across farmland and along the towpath of the Ashby Canal.  If you are looking for quiet relaxing enjoyment of the Leicestershire countryside, this walk will suit you.'

'Now forming part of the new National Forest, this area was once an industrial landscape, ravaged by mining. The route runs from Measham to Moira passing through countryside which is rich in social and industrial history ...'

Half a dozen walks around and about Barrow.

Market Harborough to Northampton: 'Connecting the two towns via a high quality traffic-free path through the countryside, the Brampton Valley Way provides the perfect opportunity for a family day out.'

'To mark H.M. The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Parish and Town Councils of Braunstone, Enderby and Leicester Forest East, and the Stepping Stones Countryside Management Project agreed to work together to promote six countryside walks connecting the three parishes. (The paths used for these walks also cross a fourth parish, Lubbesthorpe, which is served by a yearly parish meeting instead of a parish council.)' ALERT Neither the Leciestershire Villages Website referenced here nor the description of Walks arising from the LCC Stepping Stones Project now seem to be available online. You could try browsing through the alternative Website I have referenced instead ...

'This walk takes you to the four peaks that define Charnwood Forest. Along the way you will pass the oldest rocks in Britain, visit historic deer parks and take in some spectacular views. Charnwood Forest is famed for its craggy hills and dry stone walls, but is also rich in wildlife. Look out for buzzards circling on the updrafts from the hills.' ALERT At Review, details of this Walk were not accessible on the National Forest Website.

'Using a map and an audio player, participants take an audio tour down the side streets of Leicester's past. Combining historical research, interviews with local people, original writing and a lush soundscape, the Cultural Quarter Audio Trail investigates the past, present and future of Leicester's blossoming cultural quarter.'

'The Airport Trail offers the perfect opportunity for a gentle stroll or a more serious trek. Six miles long, the trail takes in the whole perimeter of the airport. As well as creating a wonderful walk through woodlands, open parkland and meadows, the trail has reconnected footpaths, bridleways and lanes that were severed in the Second World War. This offers walkers the opportunity to take in a smaller section of the trail as there are several joining points.' Alert Details of the Trail itself seem currently unavailable on the Website ...

'The Great Central Railway line nestles in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside between Charnwood Forest and the Wolds. Walks form the line are gentle and can be completed in a couple of hours, give or take the odd pub break! There are some gentle climbs but for the most part a pair of walking boots or sturdy shoes should get you through. The GCR publishes a detailed guide of the walks ... to assist you and is available from the Shop at Loughborough Central.'

'Scenic walking and cycling route. Its path follows the line of the former Great Central Railway, which was once one of the most important main lines in Britain ... The Great Central Way forms part of Sustrans national cycle network route 6 that runs from Dover to Inverness. Within the city it is now a 4 mile tarmac path with very minor gradients and it provides a route for people to follow for commuting, exercise and those who have an interest in nature.'

'There are 2 different walks in the Groby area: 3.5 miles and 6.5 miles.'

'Circular walk around the north western area of Leicestershire. The route is split up into 7 sections, therefore making it easy to walk as a series of short strolls.'

'Starts at Burrough Hill Country Park, taking in the rolling hills of High Leicestershire, through Melton Mowbray to Melton Country Park, then across open countryside to the beautiful Vale of Belvoir before ending at Brewer’s Grave.'

'The King Richard III audio tour visits five sites in the city with a strong connection to Richard III in the days leading up to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. It then continues into the Leicestershire countryside to Bosworth and other locations linked to King Richard's reign.'

'Leicester has a history that is rich and diverse, but how do we begin to understand it? Our historic Churches can help us. They are important centres of interest, shedding a fascinating light on particular developments and events over the centuries. These Churches are here for you to visit them. Come as pilgrims, or come with an interest in religion, architecture, art or history.'

'Join one of our walking programmes for short, easy walks in Leicester. Every walker gets a free Get Walking pack, step counter and other goodies. All ages and abilities are welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on all our walks.' However: 'Funding ended in early 2016 and the project has been discontinued.'

'A twelve-mile long green corridor running through the city along the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal. It is regionally important for wildlife and comprises a network of open spaces, nature reserves and parks ...'

'Guide to walks in and around 20 beautiful and varied country parks and nature reserves.'

Maps of Paths 'How to find information about the routes of public footpaths, bridleways and byways in Leicestershire, and about the Definitive Map and Statement.'

'Members of the public are welcome to attend all main meetings of the Forum ... The Forum covers the area of Leicestershire County Council. Another Forum covers the City of Leicester. The Forum debates topical countryside access and recreation issues and advises Government at all levels, and particularly the County Council.'

'To mark the centenary of the Association members devised a walk of 100 miles around Leicestershire and called it "The Leicestershire Round".'

'This walk takes in the historic buildings and other places of interest within Loughborough town centre. It guides you around the town using dropped kerbs and pedestrian crossings where possible. Accessible to all, the route takes approximately one hour to complete, but you may want to stop off for a picnic on the way!'

'A long challenging walk includes sections of routes 3, 7, 9 and 6 which you may need to refer back to. Worth setting aside most of the day and planning a few rest points on route.'

'This Guide provides visitors with a suggested tour around the heritage sites in Melton town centre. The route is accessible for all and facilities are available along the way ... You can explore parkland, visit cafes, buy cheese or pork pies and visit Melton Carnegie Museum which features excellent exhibitions on the history of Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area.'

'This pleasant walk through part of the National Forest will take you through a variety of scenery in North West Leicestershire and show you examples of many aspects of the area's rich history.'

'Walk starting at Scalford and heading due east across open countryside, via small villages to eventually reach Buckminster.  This route links the long distance paths of the Jubilee Way (from Burrough on the Hill to Woolsthorpe by Belvoir) and the Viking Way (from the Humber to Oakham, Rutland through Lincolnshire).'

'This booklet was produced by the Stepping Stones Project, based at Leicestershire County Council and Active Together at Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. The booklet contains 10 lunchtime walks (1hr or less) within the Borough that range from the treed avenues of the University area to the countryside on your doorstep.' ALERT File is PDF.

Six short walks around and about the campus of the University of Leicester.

'All about walking: walking around the village, walking to neighbouring villages. Oh, and walking to the pub ... We organise occasional public Parish Walks each year - everyone is welcome to come along.'

'Was opened on 28th September 1994 as a permissive path linking with the public footpath to Melbourne ... The hamlet of Staunton Harold, a dozen houses in all, nestles in a corner of north west Leicestershire, close to the Derbyshire border. For five hundred years it was at the core of the Staunton Harold Estate, and the hall was home to the Shirley family, who became Earls Ferrers.' This Site is now fee-based.

'Follow an intriguing route that is in, out and twist about! ...  All within a couple of miles of the centre of Swannington!'

'This route, which I first walked back in 1990, makes a circular tour of 21 miles mostly through Leicestershire around the Duke of Rutland's ancestral home, Belvoir Castle. The walk can start in any of the delightful villages along the way.'

'Some fifteen years ago our Society devised a walk around Wigston. So many parishes in Leicestershire have a Parish Walk. Until recently leaflets about such walks could be picked up at libraries etc. Now they are only available on the internet. Whereas a parish may have a four to five mile walk in a rural setting here in Wigston a circular walk through the countryside would be impossible. So we trespassed into adjacent parishes to make a ten mile walk starting from St Wistan’s Church and finishing at All Saints Church.'