The best walks and hikes around Kirby Muxloe
4.6
(694)
7,956
hikers
409
hikes
Hikes around Kirby Muxloe explore the Leicestershire countryside, a landscape defined by ancient woodlands and local reservoirs. The area sits on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest, offering a mix of gentle field paths and more varied terrain. Many walking trails Kirby Muxloe offers connect historic villages and pass through green spaces like Bradgate Park.
Best hiking trails around Kirby Muxloe
- The most popular hiking route is Roman Way – Groby & Ratby loop from Ratby, a 2.7 mile…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.0
(1)
17
hikers
4.36km
01:08
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
22.1km
05:52
230m
230m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.0
(2)
17
hikers
6.77km
01:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
6.23km
01:36
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
6.65km
01:43
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
No bluebells at this time of year but still pretty meadows and woodland paths.
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Nice little parking spot..plenty of places even at mid day
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The Old Post Office Tearooms, is next to the entrance to Bradgate Park, the start and end point of the Leicestershire Round long distance walking route. Once the Village Shop, Café, and Post Office, it transformed into a family-run tearoom offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and handmade cakes. It’s an excellent way to mark the end of the Leicestershire Round, but bear in mind it closes at 4pm. Dogs are very welcome, and there is outside seating. There’s also a takeout counter should you wish to start your walk with a coffee in hand!
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John’s Lee Wood is an area of dense woodland within the National Forest. The Leicestershire Round long distance walking trail cuts through the heart of John’s Lee Wood, and marks the final stretch of trail before entering the town of Newtown Linford where the Round comes to an end at the 100-mile (161 km) mark.
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The church dates from the 15th century and consists of a west tower with small recessed spire, nave, north aisle, north trancept, south porch, chancel, organ chamber and vestry. The north trancept dates from late in the 15th century and is separated from the nave by an arch. The north aisle and chancel were built by Roberts & Simpson in 1894-95. The vestry and organ chamber were added in 1915. The church is rather quaint and has white washed walls and some other items of interest. The altar woodwork and paneling is very fine and added in 1915.
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A picturesque house just to the south of Martinshaw Wood, between Ratby and Groby
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A nice beautiful walk between Ratby and Thornton Reservoir
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many walking trails to choose from around Kirby Muxloe?
Yes, there is a wide variety of routes. You can find over 400 trails in the area, with the majority being easy or moderate, making it suitable for all fitness levels. The landscape is a mix of gentle field paths, reservoir circuits, and ancient woodlands within Charnwood Forest.
What do other hikers think of the routes in this area?
The trails around Kirby Muxloe are highly regarded by the komoot community. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from hundreds of reviews, hikers often praise the accessible countryside paths and the scenic beauty of the local reservoirs and woodlands.
Are there any good circular walks that start near Kirby Muxloe?
Definitely. Many routes are designed as loops so you can end where you started. For a straightforward circular route, consider the The Ivanhoe Trail loop from Groby. It's a pleasant walk of about 6 km through the local countryside.
Can I take my dog on the walking trails?
Many trails in the Leicestershire countryside are suitable for dog walking. For a particularly dog-friendly day out, Sence Valley Forest Park is a popular choice, known for its numerous trails and lakes. Watermead Country Park is another excellent option, offering large open spaces and surfaced paths perfect for walking with a dog.
Are there any family-friendly hikes in the area?
Yes, the region is great for family outings. Beacon Hill Country Park is a fantastic option, offering well-maintained trails, rustic play equipment for kids, and unique chainsaw-carved sculptures to discover along the way. The paths are generally easy to navigate for all ages.
Where can I find hikes with historical points of interest?
The area is rich in history. A great place to start is Kirby Muxloe Castle, an unfinished 15th-century moated manor. You can walk the grounds freely. For a more structured historical walk, you can explore parts of the Blaby District Heritage Trails which connect local villages and landmarks.
What are some popular places for hiking near Kirby Muxloe?
Besides the specific routes, several larger parks and nature areas are local favorites for hiking:
- Beacon Hill Country Park: A top-rated park with well-maintained trails and fantastic views from one of Leicestershire's highest points.
- Sence Valley Forest Park: A tranquil, dog-friendly area with numerous paths around lakes and through woodland.
- Watermead Country Park: Known for its nature reserves, bird-watching opportunities, and extensive network of surfaced paths.
Are there any easy walks suitable for a short afternoon stroll?
Yes, there are plenty of shorter, easier options. The area has over 250 easy-rated hikes. A great example is the Roman Way – Groby & Ratby – The Ivanhoe Trail loop from Groby, which combines sections of two popular trails into a manageable walk of under 7 km.
Where can I find the best views while hiking?
For panoramic views, head to Beacon Hill Country Park. From the summit, you can see across Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Another spot offering nice views is Croft Quarry walk, where a short climb up about 50 steps rewards you with a great vantage point over the surrounding landscape.
Can I visit Kirby Muxloe Castle as part of a walk?
Absolutely. The castle grounds provide a beautiful and historic starting or ending point for a walk. While the castle interior is managed by English Heritage and may require a ticket for entry, the area around the moat is freely accessible for walkers to enjoy.
Are there any challenging, long-distance hikes available?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are longer routes. The Thornton Reservoir – Newtown Linford Car Park loop from Botcheston is a difficult hike of around 22 km. It offers a full day of walking, circling the reservoir and passing through varied parkland.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking around Kirby Muxloe?
The area's parks and nature reserves are home to diverse wildlife. Watermead Country Park is particularly well-known for bird-watching. In Bradgate Park, which is a short drive away, you can see herds of red and fallow deer in a historic medieval deer park setting.
Most popular attractions around Kirby Muxloe
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