The best walks and hikes around Thornton Reservoir
4.6
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7,763
hikers
367
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Hikes around Thornton Reservoir are centered on the 76-acre body of water set within a valley in Leicestershire. The landscape features rolling farmland and mature woodlands, with a primary trail system following a compacted gravel surface around the reservoir's edge. Many routes connect to the wider trail network, leading into adjacent woodlands such as Partings Wood and Burroughs Wood.
Best hiking trails around Thornton Reservoir
- The most popular hiking route is Thornton Reservoir – Thornton Reservoir loop from Bagworth & Thornton, a 6.9 mile (11.1 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 55 minutes to complete. This moderate route combines the waterside path with sections through surrounding fields and woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Thornton Reservoir – Partings Wood loop from Bagworth & Thornton, an easy 4.0 mile (6.4 km) path. The trail follows the reservoir's shoreline before looping through the mixed woodland of Partings Wood.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Thornton Reservoir loop — Leicester, an 8.1 mile (13.0 km) trail leading through the wider agricultural landscape, often completed in about 3 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking around Thornton Reservoir is defined by the waterside circular walk, rolling farmland, and mature woodlands. The network of paths provides options for both easy, flat walks and longer, more varied hikes.
- The routes in Thornton Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 690 reviews. More than 7,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Thornton Reservoir's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.5
(17)
71
hikers
13.0km
03:25
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
7
hikers
11.1km
02:57
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
8.46km
02:14
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
11.2km
02:59
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
21
hikers
10.1km
02:38
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Reservoir Road runs alongside Thornton Reservoir offering wide open views of the water and surrounding countryside. The reservoir, built in the 19th century, is a vital water supply for the region and is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
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The cafe at the garden centre is perfect for a mid ride cob
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Made the mistake of taking this route for a change of scenery. If it’s wet or has been, you, your bike and your cleats will be caked in shite, avoid the same disaster I had 😂
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Thornton Reservoir is a small area of water situated on the edge of the National Forest in a peaceful and picturesque location. It offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
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It's relaxing around the reservoir with a beautiful surrounding. Paved path throughout with plenty of benches.
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Bagworth Heath Woods is part of the National Forest and contains a variety of planted woods and grasslands. The main paths are easy to follow and mostly flat
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walks around Thornton Reservoir suitable for families with children or pushchairs?
Yes, the main trail around the reservoir is very family-friendly. It's a 2.5-mile circular path with a flat, compacted gravel surface, making it accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The route offers great opportunities for spotting water birds, which can be fun for children.
Can I bring my dog on hikes around Thornton Reservoir?
Dog walkers are welcome at Thornton Reservoir. The paths provide a great environment for a walk with your pet. To protect the local wildlife and for the consideration of other visitors, please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them.
Is there parking available for hikes at Thornton Reservoir?
Yes, there is a free car park on-site for visitors. The car park includes disabled parking bays that offer views over the reservoir. The site is open daily from dawn until dusk, except for Christmas Day.
What is the terrain like on the main reservoir path?
The primary path directly around the reservoir is a well-maintained, compacted gravel track. It is mostly flat, making for an easy and comfortable walk without any significant climbs or difficult terrain.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the trails?
There is a coffee kiosk called the 'Bean and Boat' located on-site, which is open daily for refreshments. For a pub meal, you would need to visit one of the nearby villages such as Thornton or Bagworth after your walk.
Can I do a longer hike that goes beyond the main reservoir loop?
Absolutely. The reservoir's trails connect to a wider network. For a longer trek, you can follow the Hiking loop from Thornton, which extends into the surrounding farmland for a more varied experience. The trails also link to the National Forest Way for those seeking an even more extensive journey.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Thornton Reservoir is a designated Local Wildlife Site, so it's a great spot for nature lovers. You can expect to see a wide variety of water birds on the reservoir itself. The surrounding woodlands and meadows are also home to different mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies.
Is there anything else to see besides the reservoir?
Yes, there is a unique sculpture trail that winds through the woodland area on the north shore. The sculptures were created by local community groups and are inspired by the bird life found at the reservoir, adding a cultural element to your hike.
Are there any good circular walks that include nearby woodlands?
Yes, a popular option is the Partings Wood loop from Bagworth & Thornton. This moderate route combines a walk along the reservoir with a peaceful loop through the adjacent Partings Wood, offering a pleasant mix of waterside and woodland scenery.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Thornton Reservoir?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained, flat paths around the water and the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding woodlands.
Are there other nearby nature spots worth visiting for a walk?
Yes, the region has several other popular walking destinations.
Burroughs Wood is a highly regarded local favourite for a peaceful woodland walk. For a different experience, Bagworth Heath Woods offers a tranquil setting that was reclaimed from a former colliery.
Most popular routes around Thornton Reservoir
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