4.6
(3141)
19,257
hikers
37
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Castle Donington traverse a landscape characterized by river valleys, canal paths, and rolling countryside. The area is situated near the River Trent and River Derwent, offering routes along their banks. The Trent & Mersey Canal also provides accessible towpaths for walking. Gentle hills and rural Leicestershire countryside define the terrain, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.9
(18)
73
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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21
hikers
4.72km
01:14
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(2)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
3.74km
01:00
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Picnic area, picnic tables and a great spot to watch flights coming in.
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Popular spot for "plane watching", with an information board detailing local wildlife, and a map of the airport trail.
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One of the biggest selling radar Marconi Radar produced over the years, examples have been deployed at the following sites: Bushy Hill test site (reference and development) Southend Newcastle Liverpool John Lennon Woodford (BAE) Coventry East Midlands Bristol Warton (BAE) ā including LVA Filton (BAE) Norwich Cardiff ā Including Janus mounted LVA Castlemartin Range (Wales) ā Range Safety Radar (Norcontrol Prime, EASAT Antenna*, S511 Tx/Rx)
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Commissioned by East Midlands Airport and installed in 2005. A series of relief art stepping stones, sculpted by Graeme Mitcheson. The designs shown on the stepping stones were decided by students from local primary schools during a number of workshops with the artist. The students were asked to create models of flight images using clay. The schools involved in the project were: ⢠Orchard Primary School, Castle Donington ⢠St Edward's Primary School, Castle Donington ⢠Kegworth Primary School ⢠Diseworth Primary School
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Dog-Tooth Violet Seed, "Art on the Trail" by Sarah Fiander. Sculpture commissioned by East Midlands Airport in 2006.
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This is a beautiful walk, a lot of which is along the canal. We will definitely do this one again.
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In the 17th century the village played a key role in the distribution of cheese and Derbyshire coal by boat on the River Trent. But it was when James Brindley's Trent and Mersey canal though Shardlow was completed in 1777 that it became one of the UK's most important river ports.
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Nice marina with a mix of narrow boats and river cruisers.
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There are over 25 easy hiking trails around Castle Donington, offering a variety of landscapes from riverbanks to rural countryside. In total, the area features nearly 40 routes for different ability levels.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Castle Donington are circular. For example, the Hiking loop from Castle Donington is an easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) route through rural countryside. Another option is the The Spittal Playing Fields loop from Castle Donington, which covers 2.3 miles (3.7 km).
Easy hikes in Castle Donington offer diverse scenery, including picturesque river valleys along the River Trent and River Derwent, accessible canal paths like the Trent & Mersey Canal, and peaceful rolling Leicestershire countryside. You'll find routes with open views and some passing through gentle woodland areas.
Yes, many of the easy trails are well-suited for families. The relatively flat terrain along riverbanks and canal towpaths makes them enjoyable for all ages. Routes like the Chapel Farm Marina ā River Derwent loop are short and offer engaging waterside views.
Most easy hiking trails around Castle Donington are dog-friendly, especially those along public footpaths, riverbanks, and canal towpaths. Always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves, and check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Yes, you can discover several interesting landmarks. Some routes may pass near the site of Castle Donington's medieval enclosure castle. Further afield, you might encounter the intriguing Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood) or the dramatic Dale Abbey Arch. The Trent Lock, a historic canal junction, is also a notable feature in the region.
Many easy trails have convenient parking options. Routes starting from villages like Shardlow or Castle Donington often have public car parks or roadside parking available. For example, trails like the Derwent Mouth Lock ā Chapel Farm Marina loop typically have parking near their starting points in Shardlow.
Castle Donington itself is served by local bus routes, making some trails accessible from the town center. Routes that start directly from Castle Donington, such as the View of S511 ASR Marconi Radar loop, can often be reached via public transport connections.
The easy trails around Castle Donington are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers pleasant riverside strolls, and autumn showcases beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the relatively flat paths along rivers and canals are often accessible, though conditions can be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
The easy trails in Castle Donington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful waterside paths, the open views of the countryside, and the accessibility of the routes for a relaxing outdoor experience.
While the area is generally gentle, some easy routes offer elevated perspectives. The View of S511 ASR Marconi Radar loop from Castle Donington, for instance, provides open views of the surrounding landscape, allowing you to appreciate the rural Leicestershire countryside.
Yes, many walking routes pass through or near charming villages like Shardlow, Hemington, and Lockington, which often have local pubs or cafes where you can stop for refreshments. The area around Trent Lock is also known for its popular spots to eat and drink.


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