Easy hikes and walks around Ashby-De-La-Zouch
4.0
(108)
1,004
hikers
74
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Ashby-De-La-Zouch traverse a landscape shaped by the National Forest, featuring extensive woodlands and rolling countryside. The terrain includes gentle paths and former industrial sites that have been transformed into nature reserves with lakes and brooks. Minimal elevation changes characterize these routes, making them accessible for various fitness levels. This area provides a diverse environment for exploration, focusing on regenerated forests and natural features.
Best easy hiking trails around Ashby-De-La-Zouch
- The most popular easy hiking route is…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
5.0
(1)
115
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
71
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(4)
16
hikers
6.15km
01:38
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Lovely cycling through tree lined paths. Has some good routes for different levels too. Worth a short visit or plan a ride outside of the area as part of a longer ride. Cafe gets very busy and has play areas for kids.
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There was a church in the town in the 11th century, but the core of the present building mainly dates from work started in 1474, when the church was rebuilt by the 1st Baron Hastings at the same time that he converted his neighbouring manor house into a castle. The church was refurbished in about 1670 to create more space, but the large & increasing size of the congregation led to further work in 1829, and a major rebuild in 1878–80. Domesday recorded that a priest was resident in Ashby, and that the church dedicated to St Helen consisted only of a nave. In about 1144, Philip Beaumains, lord of the Manor of Ashby, granted the church, its lands and revenues to the Augustinian community of Lilleshall Abbey, which retained possession until 1538. Parts of the current nave & chancel date from the C14, but the church was rebuilt and enlarged by William Hastings in 1474, at the same time that he erected the tower at the castle.
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In the late nineteenth century the Catholic congregation of Ashby worshipped in a temporary church in Prior Park Road. It is said that Flora Hastings, Duchess of Norfolk and daughter of the Countess of Loudon left a bequest of jewellery to be sold for the purpose of building a church at her death in 1887. Her husband, the fifteenth Duke of Norfolk, commissioned the architect F. A. Walters to provide the design. The site was purchased in 1910 and the foundation stone was laid in August 1913. Building was interrupted by the war and by the death of the Duke in 1917 but the church was finished and in use by 1920. Walters’s original drawings for the church are in the Duke of Norfolk’s archives at Arundel Castle.
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The memorial is to Edith, Lady Maud Hastings, Countess of Loudoun, a member of the ancient Hastings family who had been important in this area for centuries. As a sort of "lady of the manor" she was much loved by the townspeople, and died at Ventnor on the Isle of Wight in 1874. It was one of the last designs by the eminent architect Gilbert Scott, and completed in 1879, the year after his death. The design is based on the Eleanor Crosses, set up by Edward I as memorials to his Queen, Eleanor of Castile, at places where her body rested on its way to London. Only three of these remain - at Geddington and Hardingstone in Northamptonshire and at Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, just outside the Essex town of Waltham Abbey. The inscription on the memorial is by Benjamin Disraeli. The Loudoun Memorial stands on the site of Gawbey's Hole, a water pump where much gossiping was wont to take place.
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Hicks Lodge trail ride blue flat and the walks around the lake flat with cafe and park bike hire
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Start of the bike blue trail. They are skills and pump track
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Ashby-De-La-Zouch?
Ashby-De-La-Zouch offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 40 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails traverse the diverse landscapes of the National Forest, featuring woodlands, nature reserves, and gentle countryside paths.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Ashby-De-La-Zouch?
The easy hiking trails primarily feature rolling countryside and extensive woodlands, with minimal elevation changes. You'll find gentle paths through regenerating forests, former industrial sites transformed into nature reserves with lakes and brooks, and well-maintained tracks suitable for various fitness levels.
Are there any easy circular walks near Ashby-De-La-Zouch?
Yes, many easy trails in the area are circular. For example, the Hicks Lodge Trail – Hicks Lodge Trail Centre loop offers a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) walk around a repurposed coal mine, while the Blackfordby Countryside Path loop provides a longer 3.8-mile (6.2 km) journey through the local countryside.
Are the easy trails in Ashby-De-La-Zouch suitable for families with children?
Many easy trails are ideal for families due to their gentle terrain and minimal elevation. Areas like the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre offer traffic-free paths around lakes and through woods, providing a safe and engaging environment for children. The regenerated woodlands of the National Forest are also great for family exploration.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Most easy hiking trails in the Ashby-De-La-Zouch area are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open countryside. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves, and to check for any specific local restrictions.
Are there any historical sites or natural landmarks to see on these easy hikes?
Absolutely. Many easy routes offer glimpses of the region's history and natural beauty. You can explore the historic town and its surroundings on the Ashby de la Zouch Castle – St Helen's Church loop. Nearby, you can find highlights like the ancient Deer Park at Calke Abbey or the picturesque Staunton Harold Reservoir.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Ashby-De-La-Zouch?
The easy hiking trails in Ashby-De-La-Zouch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the diverse natural features found within the National Forest.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Ashby-De-La-Zouch?
The trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings vibrant greenery and snowdrops in reserves like Dimminsdale, while autumn offers beautiful foliage in the extensive woodlands. Summer provides pleasant conditions for longer walks, and even winter walks can be charming through the regenerated forests, provided paths are clear.
Are there any easy routes that pass by water features like lakes or reservoirs?
Yes, several easy routes incorporate water features. The Hicks Lodge Trail Centre, for instance, features paths that wind around lakes. Additionally, the Staunton Harold Reservoir offers fine views across the water and surrounding woodland, and Dimminsdale Nature Reserve has picturesque pools formed from former mining quarries.
What are some good easy trails for beginners?
For beginners, the Hicks Lodge Trail – Hicks Lodge Trail Centre loop from Ashby Woulds is an excellent choice, being just 1.4 miles (2.2 km) with minimal elevation. Another great option is the Shell Brook Trail – Willesley Wood loop, which is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and takes you through established woodlands.
Where can I find parking for easy hiking trails in the area?
Many popular trailheads, such as Hicks Lodge Trail Centre, offer dedicated parking facilities. For routes starting directly from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, town parking options are available. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for recommended parking spots.
Are there options for reaching trailheads by public transport?
While some trailheads might be accessible via local bus services connecting to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, many of the more rural routes within the National Forest are best reached by car. Planning your route in advance and checking local transport schedules is recommended.
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