The best walks and hikes around Bagworth & Thornton

Yes, the area is well-suited for a range of abilities. The terrain is generally gentle, with no difficult-rated trails. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate routes, many with well-maintained paths through woodlands and around the reservoir.

The region is excellent for circular hikes. Many trails are designed as loops, meaning you can start and finish in the same spot without retracing your steps. A great example is the Entrance to Bagworth Pathway – All Saints Church loop from Bagworth, which offers a comprehensive tour of the local landscape.

The area offers several distinct hiking locations. Key spots include:

• Thornton Reservoir: Known for its peaceful waterside paths and abundant birdlife.
• Bagworth Heath Woods: A popular country park on a former colliery site, offering a mix of woodland and heath grassland.
• Sence Valley Forest Park: A highly-regarded, tranquil nature area with numerous trails and lakes.
• Martinshaw Wood: A vast, ancient woodland known for its ecological diversity.

Yes, the open spaces and country parks in the area are generally great for walking with dogs. Sence Valley Forest Park is a particularly popular, dog-friendly spot. As always, please keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife at the reservoir, and follow any local signage regarding leads.

The 2.5-mile circular track around Thornton Reservoir is an excellent choice for families. The path is level and well-surfaced, making it suitable for pushchairs and little legs. The route also features a sculpture trail with artworks inspired by local birdlife, which can be fun for children to spot.

Parking is available at the main attractions. Thornton Reservoir has its own car park, which is the best starting point for walks around the water. Bagworth Heath Woods also has parking facilities, providing direct access to its network of trails.

The main circular track around the reservoir is about 2.5 miles long and typically takes around an hour to walk at a leisurely pace. For a longer hike that explores the surrounding area, the Thornton Reservoir – Thornton Reservoir loop from Bagworth & Thornton is a 6.9-mile route that takes roughly 3 hours.

The landscape is a mix of serene waters, regenerated woodlands, and rolling farmland. At Thornton Reservoir, you can spot water birds like herons and great crested grebes. In the woodlands, such as Martinshaw Wood and Burroughs Wood, you might see beautiful bluebell displays in spring. Bagworth Heath Woods features memorials to its mining past, blending nature with local history.

While there are no cafes directly on the main reservoir or heathland trails, you can find pubs and cafes in the nearby villages of Thornton and Bagworth. Some visitors have also noted a coffee van at Sence Valley Forest Park, which can be a welcome stop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the successful transformation of the landscape from its industrial past, and the well-marked paths, especially around Thornton Reservoir.

Trail conditions vary. The path around Thornton Reservoir is well-surfaced, level, and suitable for most walkers. Trails through Bagworth Heath Woods and other parts of the National Forest are a mix of woodland tracks, grassy paths, and gravel trails, which can be muddy after rain.

Yes, there are several shorter options. The Thornton Reservoir – Partings Wood loop from Bagworth & Thornton is a 4-mile walk that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It's rated as easy and is a great way to experience the local woodlands without committing to a longer hike.