The best walks and hikes around Osgathorpe

Several highly-regarded parks and nature reserves offer excellent hiking.

Beacon Hill Country Park is a local favorite, known for its well-maintained trails, stunning views, and unique chainsaw-carved sculptures. Outwoods is another popular choice, offering beautiful woodland walks. For a quieter experience, you might explore Jubilee Wood or the former quarry at Hill Hole Nature Reserve.

Yes, the region has plenty of gentle options for families. A great choice is the Grace Dieu Viaduct – Stream in Grace Dieu Wood loop from Osgathorpe. It's a short, accessible walk that takes you past the historic viaduct and through peaceful woodland, making it engaging for all ages.

Yes, circular routes are very common in the area. Many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. For example, the View of Cloud Hill Quarry loop from North West Leicestershire offers a varied circuit through the local landscape.

The trails around Osgathorpe are rich with history. Many routes feature the romantic 13th-century ruins of Grace Dieu Priory and the nearby Victorian-era Grace Dieu Viaduct. The Stream in Grace Dieu Wood – Grace Dieu Priory Ruins loop from Whitwick is a great hike for exploring these landmarks.

The area around Osgathorpe is generally very dog-friendly, with numerous footpaths crossing open fields and woodlands. However, you will likely encounter livestock, so it's important to keep your dog on a lead where required. Always follow local signage and respect the countryside code.

For some of the best panoramic views in the region, head to Beacon Hill Country Park. As the second-highest point in Leicestershire, it offers spectacular vistas over the Soar Valley and the surrounding National Forest. Many trails within the park lead to excellent viewpoints.

Yes, the Mount St Bernard Abbey – Blackbrook Reservoir loop from Thringstone is a popular moderate hike. This route combines the tranquility of the abbey grounds with scenic paths around the open water of Blackbrook Reservoir and its surrounding woodlands.

The hiking routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of scenery, from quiet woodlands to open countryside, and the well-maintained paths that connect historical sites with natural beauty.

You can explore over 500 hiking routes around Osgathorpe on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more challenging all-day hikes, with over 300 trails classified as easy.

Many traditional pubs are located in the villages scattered throughout the area, such as Osgathorpe, Belton, and Whitwick. These often serve as convenient starting or finishing points for a walk, but it's best to check their specific locations and opening times relative to your chosen route.

The landscape is typical of the National Forest, featuring a pleasant mix of gentle inclines, wooded valleys, and open fields. The paths are generally well-defined footpaths and bridleways, making for a varied but not overly strenuous hiking experience.

Parking for popular trails is often found in nearby villages or at dedicated car parks for specific attractions. For example, Beacon Hill Country Park has its own car park (a fee may apply). For walks starting in villages like Osgathorpe or Thringstone, on-street parking is usually available, but please park considerately.