The best walks and hikes around Groby Pool
4.6
(819)
8,941
hikers
370
hikes
Hiking around Groby Pool offers diverse landscapes centered around Leicestershire's largest natural lake, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area features extensive ancient woodlands, including Sheet Hedges Wood and Martinshaw Wood, which provide additional trails. Varied terrain encompasses open grasslands, wet woodlands, and marsh areas, supporting a rich array of plant and animal communities. The network of footpaths connects Groby Pool to the wider countryside, including routes extending towards Bradgate Park.
Best hiking trails around Groby Pool
- The…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.7
(3)
13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.5
(4)
8
hikers
5.48km
01:29
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
9.64km
02:33
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
4.86km
01:18
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The church of St Philip and St James, built in the lancet style by George Harry Grey, the seventh Earl of Stamford, dates from 1840 and stands on the site of Groby Castle. The architect was William Railton. Few remains are left of the castle, other than a slight rise in ground to the east of the main church building, and the manor house (Groby Old Hall), the stone-built parts of which are thought to have been part of the castle’s outer buildings.
0
0
No bluebells at this time of year but still pretty meadows and woodland paths.
0
0
Cycling is only permitted on the one route through the park, which gets busy with walkers, take it slow in the park. Cafe and toilets in the middle.
2
0
Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park (for hunting) in the 12th Century. Herds of Red and Fallow Deer still roam freely across the Park's 800 acres today.The Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance as a wildlife habitat and its geological interest - the 600 million year old Precambrian rocks here are some of the oldest in England. Bradgate House, built around the year 1500, was one of the first unfortified, brick-built country houses in the country and was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey and played an important role in the English Civil War. Abandoned in the 18th Century, the house is now an evocative ruin set in a landscape that has changed little since the house's heyday.
4
0
The building across the water, Pool House, is a Grade II listed building.
1
0
The first recorded reference to Groby Pool was in 1295, and there is evidence of a mill associated with Groby Pool from that time until the 1900s. The last was a saw mill in Sheet Hedges Wood.
1
0
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!
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Groby Pool?
There are over 370 hiking trails around Groby Pool, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and fitness levels. These routes explore the lake's immediate surroundings, ancient woodlands, and connections to the wider countryside.
Are there any circular walks around Groby Pool?
Yes, many of the trails around Groby Pool are circular. A popular option is the Groby Pool loop from Groby, which is an easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 28 minutes to complete, leading you through the immediate surroundings of the lake.
Is Groby Pool a good place for family-friendly hikes?
Groby Pool offers several family-friendly walking routes, particularly the shorter, easier loops around the lake and through the less challenging parts of the woodlands. The varied terrain and opportunities for wildlife spotting make it an engaging experience for all ages.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails at Groby Pool?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the hiking trails around Groby Pool. However, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to diverse wildlife, it's important to keep dogs under control, preferably on a lead, especially near the water and through sensitive habitats like Sheet Hedges Wood.
Where can I park when visiting Groby Pool for a hike?
Free parking is readily available for visitors to Groby Pool. There are well-defined parking areas that provide convenient access to the network of footpaths, making it easy to start your hike.
Can I reach Groby Pool using public transport?
While Groby Pool is primarily accessed by car, there are local bus services that connect to the village of Groby. From the village, you can access the walking trails around the pool. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking around Groby Pool?
Groby Pool is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. You can observe wintering wildfowl, great crested grebes, tufted ducks, reed buntings, and grey herons. The surrounding woodlands and marsh areas also support diverse plant life, butterflies, and dragonflies, offering ample opportunities for nature observation.
What are the difficulty levels of the hikes around Groby Pool?
The hiking trails around Groby Pool cater to various difficulty levels. You'll find a significant number of easy routes, perfect for leisurely strolls, as well as moderate trails that extend into the surrounding countryside and woods. There are also a few more challenging options for experienced hikers.
Are there any longer hikes that connect Groby Pool to other areas?
Yes, some routes connect Groby Pool with nearby natural areas. For example, the Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Bradgate Park Visitor Centre loop from Groby is a moderate 8.9-mile (14.3 km) trail that links Groby Pool with the notable landmarks and varied terrain of Bradgate Park.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Groby Pool?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 730 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the diverse landscapes including the lake and ancient woodlands, and the well-maintained network of footpaths that offer both easy strolls and longer excursions.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the Groby Pool hiking trails?
The village of Groby and nearby areas offer options for refreshments. While there might not be facilities directly on the trails, you can find cafes and pubs in the surrounding villages, providing places to relax and refuel after your hike.
What makes Groby Pool a unique hiking destination?
Groby Pool is unique as Leicestershire's largest natural lake and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's surrounded by ancient woodlands like Sheet Hedges Wood and Martinshaw Wood, offering a rich blend of aquatic, woodland, and grassland habitats. This ecological diversity, combined with an extensive footpath network, provides a serene and varied hiking experience.
Are there any historical points of interest along the trails?
The area around Groby Pool holds historical significance. Some paths follow routes that were once medieval roads, and the village of Groby itself has historical links, including archaeological findings. Exploring the trails offers a chance to walk through landscapes with a rich past.
Most popular routes around Groby Pool
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
