4.6
(824)
8,972
hikers
370
hikes
Hiking around Groby Pool offers access to the largest natural lake in Leicestershire, covering 38 acres (15 hectares). The region is characterized by a diverse ecosystem, including alder woodland, wet and dry grassland, marsh, and reed swamp, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Peaceful woodlands, such as Sheet Hedges Wood, provide additional trails, while well-marked footpaths encircle the pool and extend into surrounding green spaces.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(3)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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.

Sign up for free
5.0
(5)
399
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.7
(3)
17
hikers
5.33km
01:23
40m
40m
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
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
There are over 230 easy hiking trails around Groby Pool, offering a wide variety of options for exploring the area's natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 740 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil environment, well-marked paths, and the opportunity for nature observation, especially the rich birdlife around the pool.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Groby Pool are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Hiking loop from Groby, which covers about 5.3 km and takes around 1 hour 23 minutes.
Yes, the well-marked, generally flat paths around Groby Pool and through its woodlands are ideal for families. The diverse wildlife, especially the birdlife, and the peaceful surroundings make it an engaging experience for children. Many routes are short and easy to navigate, such as the Memorial Wood – Bradgate Park Visitor Centre loop from Newtown Linford.
Groby Pool and its surrounding woodlands are generally dog-friendly, with many paths suitable for walks with your canine companion. However, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with diverse wildlife, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially near nesting birds or livestock, and to clean up after them.
There is a free car park located on the southern side of Groby Pool, making access easy for visitors. This is a convenient starting point for many of the easy trails around the lake and into the adjacent woodlands.
Groby Pool is the largest natural lake in Leicestershire and an SSSI, so you'll encounter a rich variety of habitats. Expect to see alder woodland, wet and dry grassland, marsh, and reed swamp. The area is also renowned for its diverse birdlife, including swans, ducks, and herons, making it excellent for nature observation.
Absolutely. The surroundings of Groby Pool feature peaceful woodlands, including Sheet Hedges Wood, which is a medieval ancient woodland and also an SSSI. These woodlands offer additional easy trails, and in spring, they are adorned with vibrant bluebells.
Easy hikes around Groby Pool typically range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the chosen route and your pace. For example, the All Saints' Church, Thurcaston – The Old Post Office Tearooms loop from Groby is about 1 hour 45 minutes, while the Groby Pool loop from Groby takes around 1 hour 28 minutes.
While the region research mentions bus routes, specific details for direct access to hiking trailheads by public transport are not extensively detailed. It is advisable to check local bus schedules and routes to Groby village, and then plan your walk to Groby Pool from there.
While Groby Pool itself has historical significance, being reputedly the largest natural lake in Leicestershire, the nearby Bradgate Park offers historical attractions. An easy trail like the Ruins of Bradgate House – Bradgate Park Visitor Centre loop from Newtown Linford leads through expansive parkland and past the ruins of Bradgate House, the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey.
Groby Pool offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring is beautiful with bluebells in Sheet Hedges Wood, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter is excellent for birdwatching, as many species overwinter here. The well-marked paths are generally accessible in most weather conditions, though appropriate footwear is always recommended.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.