Outwoods & Bradgate Country Park
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 14.9 miles
Discover a scenic and accessible countryside walk starting from the popular Outwoods car park, located near Loughborough. While the Outwoods car park provides convenient access, it's known to fill up quickly, especially during peak times. For overflow parking, the Nanpanton Sports Ground offers a reliable alternative. Additionally, walkers have the flexibility to begin their journey from either Beacon Hill Country Park or Bradgate Country Park, both equipped with readily available parking facilities. This flexibility allows for diverse starting points and caters to various preferences.
The walk itself is characterised by its gentle, undulating terrain, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. While the majority of the route follows well-maintained paths, a portion involves walking alongside village roads. Therefore, if you're bringing canine companions, it's crucial to keep them on a short lead to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Dogs are generally welcome on this route; however, it's particularly important to adhere to the lead requirement within Bradgate Country Park. Park Rangers are authorised to take action against dogs that are found chasing the resident deer population, emphasising the need for responsible pet ownership.
The well-established paths provide a comfortable walking surface for most of the journey. However, during periods of inclement weather, certain sections may become slightly muddy. Therefore, it's highly recommended to wear appropriate footwear, such as walking boots, to ensure stability and comfort. One of the key advantages of this route is its suitability for year-round enjoyment. Even during the winter months or in wetter conditions when moorland walks may be less accessible, this route remains a viable and enjoyable option. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a reliable walking route through all seasons.
Further Information
Bradgate Country Park is run by the Bradgate Park Trust. The park covers an area of 830 acres and is known for its picturesque landscapes and historical significance, including the ruins of Bradgate House, the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the former Queen of England. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago. The Park offers a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. The landscape offers some of the finest views, and is rich in change throughout the seasons.
The River Lin, Leicestershire's shortest river, runs through the Lower Park and is a popular spot to sit and picnic ,or just sit and watch the deer while children paddle in the shallows. The River, which is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is rich in wildlife. The Victorians created the shallow waterfalls to clear the silt from the water, as the river feeds Cropston Reservoir.
Old John, the 18th Century folly sits on the highest point of the Park and is one of Leicestershire’s most famous landmarks. It is often referred to as the 'Icon of Leicestershire'. The interpretation inside the Tower is dedicated to George Harry the 7th Earl of Stamford, his rather marvellous wife and the racetrack they built on the Park.
The Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial, which stands on the hill next to Old John, commemorates the men of the Leicestershire Yeomanry who died in the Boer War and the two World Wars. The Memorial, erected 1924, is an obelisk containing two bronze tablets.
What will I see on this walk?
