North West Leicestershire offers a fantastic variety of walking opportunities, combining market towns, picturesque villages, industrial heritage and beautiful countryside. Discover routes in and around Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch, as well as charming rural communities such as Normanton le Heath and Appleby Magna, each offering its own unique character and walking experiences.
The district is crossed by a number of well-known long-distance trails, including the Ambion Way and the Ivanhoe Way, which guide walkers through some of the area’s most attractive landscapes and historic locations. Visitors can also explore the rich mining heritage of the district at Snibston Colliery Park, home to the Snibston Heritage Trail, where the story of Leicestershire’s coal mining past can be discovered on foot.
For those with an interest in wildlife and nature, the area is home to several reserves managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, providing opportunities to enjoy peaceful walks while experiencing some of the county’s most valuable habitats and wildlife.
Whether you’re looking for a countryside ramble, a heritage trail or a longer-distance walking challenge, North West Leicestershire offers something for walkers of all ages and abilities.
This pleasant walk through part of the National Forest will take you through a variety of scenery in North West Leicestershire and show you examples of many aspects of the area’s rich history. Coalville Miners Heritage Trail route is approximately 9 miles long, linking the villages of Coleorton and Swannington with Snibston Discovery Park in Coalville
Ambion Way is a circular walk 91½ miles (15km) taking approximately 4 hours. There is an optional short cut making the route 7½ miles. The route description starts from the Bosworth Battlefield The route description starts from the Bosworth Visitor Centre, hear Sutton Cheney, in south west Visitor Centre, near Sutton Cheney, in South West Leicestershire.
The Ivanhoe Way is a 35 mile walk around the north western area of Leicestershire. The circular walk can be done in several short stages. When the Ivanhoe Railway Line is opened, a short railway journey could be used to split the walk in two.
Journey through the transformed landscape of the National Forest along the 75-mile National Forest Way. Extending from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire, this long-distance walking trail will take you through rocky outcrops, rolling hills, iconic views and places steeped in industrial heritage.
In NW Leicestershire lies a beautiful area of wooded hills with several outstanding historical and scenic features. Staunton Harold Estate, located in a green valley with two lakes, includes: the house, church, estate cottages and stables. The stables have been converted and are now known as the Ferrers Centre of Arts and Crafts, which comprise of craft shops, workshops, galleries and tearooms. Find our Themed Walks Through Time here.
An area rich in history, visitors can enjoy the Snibston Heritage Trail which houses several historic buildings and machinery. The trails bring the history of mining in Coalville, Northwest Leicestershire, to life with a sense of how the mine worked in days gone by.
A mosaic of woodlands in the heart of Charnwood, this ancient, broadleaved woodland is bursting with wildlife. In the spring, you can enjoy a spectacular display of bluebells. Enjoy woodland birds all year round, including Nuthatch, Treecreeper, woodpeckers and Tawny Owls.
At nearly 200 hectares, the beautiful nature reserve, Charnwood Lodge, abounds with ancient history, atmosphere and wildlife. Grasslands support an array of butterflies in the summer, whilst the woodlands burst with birdsong in the spring, and turn fiery golden in the autumn. Prominent 600 million-year-old Precambrian rock outcrops protrude through the surrounding marl and other Triassic deposits.
Cloud Wood has long been known as one of the best sites in Leicestershire for flora, with over 220 recorded species of ferns and flowering plants recorded! Look out for some interesting and beautiful orchids, violet helleborine, greater butterfly orchid, bee orchid and broad-leaved helleborine.
Kelham Bridge nature reserve may be relatively young, but it is already bursting with life. Just a few miles from Ibstock and Coalville, this is the ideal place to escape the area’s industrial heritage. Birdwatching is best in the late spring. A great site for warblers, listen out in the early mornings and late evenings for the reeling of the grasshopper warbler – just like a fishing reel!
Dimminsdale reserve is well known for the spectacular display of snowdrops that appear in late winter and early spring. A visit to this special site is a must to enjoy the carpet of white that appears, giving hope that warmer times are on the way and spring is just around the corner.
