Even a brisk 10-minute walk provides health benefits
The festive season is commonly known to be extremely busy, and sometimes even chaotic. LeicestershireLive has rounded up a few local beauty spots where you can clear your mind, and even walk off the turkey trimmings, as well as the pudding.
According to the NHS website, just a brisk 10-minute walk has lots of health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, joint health, and mood. The county has various picturesque spaces with countryside views, as well as nature, where you can enjoy the crisp wintery air.
From the rolling hills of Bradgate Park to the tranquil canals of Watermead Country Park, there is a walk appropriate for everyone whether you’re looking for something shorter, or longer. Remember to wrap-up warm, and grab a friend, the family, and even the dog – if you have one.
Bradgate Park – Newtown Linford
Officially declared a National Nature Reserve in 2024, Bradgate Park offers a landscape of rocky outcrops, ancient oaks, and panoramic views of Leicestershire. According to the website, it is home to around 550 red and fallow deer which roam freely.
Set in the heart of Charnwood Forest and spanning more than 830 acres, walkers can choose a gentle two-mile loop from Newtown Linford car park to the River Lyn and back, or tackle a five-mile circular route that climbs up to Old John Tower for those sweeping hilltop views.
Afterward, you can warm up at the Deer Barn Café, located in the Visitor Centre, for a coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and homemade cakes.
Beacon Hill Country Park – Woodhouse Eaves
Known as the second highest point in Leicestershire, Beacon Hill rises to around 248 metres and covers around 330 acres. The mix of heathland and woodland is home to cattle, sheep, and alpacas.
Six different trails are on offer to walkers which range from 119 to 535 meters in elevation gain, according to All Trails. A 1.9-mile loop trail can offer a brisk walk around the park, while a 7.25-mile section connects Bradgate Park to Beacon Hill Country Park.
Round it off at the Beacon Hill Café near the entrance, which serves hot drinks, toasties, and more.
Cossington Meadows
Spread across approximately 220 acres beside the River Soar, Cossington Meadows is a haven of wetland, meadow and scrub managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. The reserve attracts duck, kingfishers, kestrel and grey herons.
A 2.4-mile circular route loops around the main pools for a leisurely hour’s stroll, while keen walkers can extend to a longer 7.7-mile loop that connects with Watermead Country Park. There’s no café on site, but the Tea Garden Café, in Syston Road is only a few minutes’ drive away and serves hot drinks as well as baked goods.
Watermead Country Park – Fillingate
Located in Wanlip Road, north of Leicester, Watermead Country Park stretches 340 acres of land, with plenty of woodland and grassland. The park features a range of wildlife, particularly birds which are attracted to its lakes, however it is also home to mammals such as deer and otters.
For an easy outing, walkers can embark on a one-mile circuit of Mammoth Lake, or for those seeking a longer route, there is a 9.8-mile loop connecting to Mountsorrel. Coffee lovers will find mobile vans inside the park occasionally, or can stop by nearby pubs, such as The White Horse, for a well-earned warm-up.
Sence Valley Forest Park – Ibstock
Once a former coal mine in Ibstock, the 150-acre Sence Valley Forest Park has been rewilded with tens of thousands of trees, and is home to peaceful lakes and wildlife galore. According to National Forest, 150 bird species have been recorded here, including herons, woodpeckers, and bullfinches, to name a few.
There’s a short 0.6-mile All Ability Trail which circles around Horseshoe Lake, ideal for a gentle stroll. Walkers can also embark on a 4-mile woodland circuit for a deeper exploration into the park’s forest paths.
For those wanting a warm treat afterwards, the Little Bluebird Café offers hot drinks and also cakes.
