Beacon Hill Country Park
Explore 335 acres of mixed woodland, grassland, wildflower meadows and farmland on this country park walk or cycle near Loughborough. At 248m (814 feet), Beacon Hill is the second highest point in Leicestershire and the site of a Bronze Age hill fort. As such there are fabulous views of the Leicestershire countryside. There's a handy toposcope at the hill summit where you can see all the landmarks visible from the viewpoint.
The park also has a wooden boardwalk sculpture trail, a maze and a 4.8km cycle track circling the park so you can bring your bike too.
Beacon Hill is located a few miles south of Loughborough town centre and very close to the Leicestershire Round walking route. You could pick up the trail and head to Bradgate Country Park if you wished to extend your walk.
Postcode
LE12 8SP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Beacon Hill Country Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Beacon Hill Country Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Beacon Hill Country Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Beacon Hill Country Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There is an on site cafe in the south car park near the arboretum and picnic area. There's a good range of sandwiches and snacks to pick up here. There's also an ice cream van in the car parks during the summer months.
The pretty village of Woodhouse Eaves is just to the south east of the park. Here you could enjoy a pub lunch at The Wheatsheaf. The 18th century inn serves fine food which you can enjoy in the cosy interior or outside in the extensive courtyard garden. You can find them at Brand Hill with postcode LE12 8SS.
Dog Walking
The woodland and hill top trails are ideal for fit dogs so you'll likely bump into other owner on your visit.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the south east of the park there's Broombriggs Farm & Windmill Hill Country Park to visit. There's some more nice trails here with dry stone walls, hedgerows, fences and woodlands to explore.
A few miles to the east there's the pretty village of Barrow upon Soar. There's some nice walks along the Grand Union Canal and a fine waterside pub to visit here.
Just to the south of Bradgate Park you'll find the secluded Groby Pool. The small lake is a good place for wildlife watching and also includes some adjacent bluebell woods. The woodland trust's Martinshaw Wood is located about half a mile south west from here too. It's another peaceful local place for bird watching and easy trails.
The National Forest Way passes the park. The long distance trail takes you to several of the highlights of the National Forest area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Leicestershire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
This is the footpath that runs between the Upper and Lower car parks at Beacon Hill.
Welcome to the Labyrinth. A system of raised walkways in the Country Park, a sign near the entrance states: 'This ongoing project was created by Beacon Hill Conservation Volunteers in 2003'
Wood carving.
Earthworks on the hill. The Bronze Age `Fort` at Beacon Hill is at least 3000 years old.
Toposcope. On the eastern end of the Beacon Hill summit, Lincoln is reputedly visible 46 miles or 73 kilometres distant on a clear day.
The Shepherd and the Ram by Peter Leadbeater. Wooden chainsaw sculpture.
Summit Rocks. This panorama is looking towards Copt Oak, and the Radio Masts near to there can be clearly seen in the distance.
View from Beacon Hill