Leicestershire Round
Explore the countryside, villages, canals, rivers and reservoirs of Leicestershire on this interesting and varied circular walk. The walk beings at the lovely Bradgate Country Park near Newtown Linford and heads to Swithland Reservoir, Burrough Hill Country Park, the Grand Union Canal at Market Harborough, the wonderful Foxton Locks, Saddington Reservoir, Bosworth Battlefield Country Park, the Ashby Canal at Shackerstone and Thornton Reservoir.
The route is accessible passing close to the following major towns: Oakham, Melton Mowbray, Loughborough, Hinckley and Lutterworth.
Leicestershire Round Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Leicestershire Round Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Leicestershire Round OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Leicestershire Round Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
You could stop off at The Wheatsheaf in the pretty village of Woodhouse Eaves, just south of Loughborough. 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.
In Hallaton there's The Fox Inn to investigate. They serve a fine Sunday roast and have a lovely large garden area to relax in on warmer days. Out here you can see animals such as ponies, goats and ducks. You can find them at postcode LE16 8UJ.
The village is also worth exploring with a particularly picturesque village pond, a 13th century church and quaint thatched cottages. Hallaton is the location for the annual bottle kicking contest which takes place on Easter Monday.
In Mountsorrel there's the Waterside Inn. The inn is located in a fine spot next to the Mountsorrel Lock on the River Soar. You can sit outside in the lovely garden and enjoy a meal with a view over the water. The pub can be found at Sileby Rd with postcode LE12 7BB for your sat navs.
The Victorian tea room at the old Shackerstone Railway station is a good place for some refreshments and local history. The authentic setting is a lovely way to step back in time while enjoying a fine range of cobs, pasties and delicious cakes. It's very quaint and includes a nostalgic railway museum. You can find them at postcode CV13 6NW for your sat navs.
In the canalside village there's also the Rising Sun. The pub is located near the canal and the station at postcode CV13 6NN. They have a family-friendly conservatory and an attractive garden for warmer days. There's also a car park and restaurant dining area. The pub is dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For more walking ideas in the area see the Leicestershire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Foxton Locks. The upper staircase of five locks at Foxton Locks, looking across the passing area from the top lock of the lower staircase. The boat in the lock is waiting for a boat in the lower staircase to complete its passage up to the passing area, while many gongoozlers look on.
Straw bales, near Cranoe. View south, with Slawston Hill in the distance.
From the top of Langton Caudle. The Round runs down the north west side of Langton Caudle to Stonton Wyville. The hill lies just north of Thorpe Langton. Where the 'Caudle' part of the name originates from, I'm not sure. The dictionary refers to Caudle as a "warm, spicy gruel for invalids". Fittingly, the nearby Langton brewery offers a beer with this name
Glooston. A row of fine stone cottages lines the street up to Glooston's pub and church.
To Rearsby Mill. The Leicestershire Round footpath leading off Mill Road, Rearsby.
Crossing the upper Chater Valley. The upper parts of this valley, with their grassy slopes, give fine open walking.
Footpath through Ambion Wood. Ambion Wood lies along the Ashby Canal and close to the site of The Battle of Bosworth.
To Frisby on the Wreake. The Leicestershire Round from Rotherby approaching Frisby from the west.