The best walks and hikes around Ashby-De-La-Zouch

Yes, the area is excellent for circular walks. Many trails are designed as loops through the woodlands and reclaimed landscapes of The National Forest. A good example is the Blackfordby Countryside Path loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which takes you on a pleasant circuit through the countryside.

There are many options for families and beginners, with over 40 easy trails to choose from. A popular choice is Hicks Lodge Café loop from Norris Hill. The trails at Hicks Lodge Trail Centre are well-maintained and often feature family-oriented activities like the Stickman Trail.

Yes, many trails in the area are dog-friendly. Sence Valley Forest Park is a particularly good option, known for being a tranquil, dog-friendly natural area with numerous paths. Calke Abbey's parkland is also a local favourite for dog walking. Always check local signage for specific on-lead requirements.

Yes, several routes incorporate a café. Hicks Lodge Trail Centre has a highly-regarded café, making it a perfect start or end point for a walk. You can enjoy a short walk like the Oakthorpe Colliery – Hicks Lodge Café loop from Willesley and finish with a refreshment.

The region is part of The National Forest, so you're surrounded by excellent woodland walks. For a classic woodland experience, the Willesley Wood – Willesley Wood loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a great choice, taking you through established forest on well-maintained paths. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Wood also offers extensive trails through newly planted native woodland.

The terrain is generally gentle, consisting of rolling countryside, woodland trails, and paths around former industrial sites that are now parks. Most routes have minimal elevation change, making the area accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. Paths are typically well-maintained, often gravel or dirt tracks through the forests.

Yes, Ashby-de-la-Zouch is on the route of The National Forest Way, a 75-mile long-distance path. You can hike sections of it, such as Stage 4 to Ashby or Stage 5 from Ashby towards Ticknall. The Ivanhoe Way, a circular 35-mile trail, also passes close to the town, exploring landscapes connected to Sir Walter Scott's novel.

The trails around Ashby-de-la-Zouch are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the regenerated woodlands and the easy navigation on well-marked paths. The transformation of former industrial land like Sence Valley Forest Park into beautiful nature reserves is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Most of the main trailheads and forest parks have dedicated parking. Popular spots like Hicks Lodge, Sence Valley Forest Park, and Calke Abbey all have their own car parks, though some may charge a fee. For walks starting in villages or the town itself, you may need to use public car parks or find on-street parking.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can walk through Calke Park, which surrounds Calke Abbey, a National Trust property known as the 'un-stately home'. The park itself is a National Nature Reserve with ancient trees. Dimminsdale Nature Reserve also offers a unique landscape shaped by former limestone quarries.

The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. In the lakes and wetlands of Sence Valley Forest Park, you can spot swans, coots, and ducks, with occasional sightings of otters. The woodlands are home to numerous bird species, and the ancient deer park at Calke Abbey offers the chance to see its resident herd.