Top 16 Lakes around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath
Best lakes around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath are found in North West Leicestershire, an area featuring diverse natural landscapes and reclaimed industrial sites. The region offers various aquatic environments, including large natural pools, lakes within forest parks, and nature reserves. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and birdwatching.
Best lakes around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath
- The most popular lakes is Thornton Reservoir, a natural area with a traffic-free trail. It is situated in a National Forest valley and supports diverse wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a lake within a forest park. This location serves as a starting point for walks around the lake and through surrounding woods.
- Visitors also love Groby Pool, a large natural expanse of open water. It features diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and marsh, supporting a variety of waterfowl and animals.
- Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath is known for natural pools, reservoir lakes, and lakes within forest parks. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, including those within nature reserves and reclaimed collieries.
- The lakes around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath are appreciated by the komoot community. These highlights have received more than 50 upvotes and feature more than 30 photos from visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
Highlight • Lake
Good free car park open during daytime, toilets and information board.
My sat nav tried to direct me to an old entrance but easy enough to skirt round from there to the main entrance (keep turning left) if the same happens.
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Bagworth Heath Woods
Highlight • Natural
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon!
Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Hicks Lodge Blue Trail
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
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Groby Pool
Highlight • Lake
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Popular around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath
MTB Trails around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath
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Cycling around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath
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Tips from the Community
Sand martins return annually to an artificial nesting wall at Bagworth Heath Wood Country Park in Leicestershire, usually arriving in March to nest through the summer. The site, featuring a specialized "Sandmartin Pool," is maintained by rangers and volunteers who refresh the sandy bank annually, with hundreds of chicks raised there.
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hicks Lodge trail blue route biking walks around the woods and lake
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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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Great place for an hour or so out in the woods, the trail is a good workout and you can often spot animals in the evening. Deer occasionally, foxes and always crows. Try the green trail as well as it's quite twisty and turns and exciting, with lots of little up and downhills. There are some nice, welcome, benches and picnic tables 3/4 of the way round.
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The building across the water, Pool House, is a Grade II listed building.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes to visit around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath?
Among the most popular lakes are Thornton Reservoir, known for its traffic-free trail and diverse wildlife, and Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, which serves as an excellent starting point for walks. Groby Pool is also highly regarded as the largest natural expanse of open water in Leicestershire, featuring rich habitats and waterfowl.
Are there family-friendly walking options around the lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly walks. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has short circuits around the lake and through the woods. Thornton Reservoir features a traffic-free, paved path all around, making it suitable for families and those with pushchairs. Groby Pool also has diverse habitats to explore that are suitable for families.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes in the region boast diverse natural features. Groby Pool, for instance, offers woodlands, wet and dry grasslands, marsh, reed swamp, and open water, supporting a wide range of waterfowl. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve features naturally meandering waters and land that floods, creating a secluded atmosphere ideal for birdwatching.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in the area?
Yes, Groby Pool has a long history, with its first recorded reference dating back to 1295. There's also evidence of a mill associated with it until the 1900s. Additionally, Bagworth Heath Woods, while a reclaimed colliery, features a pit wheel on an island in its largest pool, serving as a reminder of its industrial past.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The area around Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate routes like the 'Sence Valley Forest Park loop from Coalville'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are options such as the 'Snibston Grange Fishing Ponds – Snibston Discovery Trail loop from Coalville'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like the Hicks Lodge Blue Trail. You can explore more routes on the hiking guide, cycling guide, and MTB trails guide for the region.
Which lakes are best for birdwatching?
Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is particularly notable for birdwatching, with sightings of Warblers, Whitethroats, Reed and Sedge Warblers, Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl, and Kingfisher. Groby Pool also supports a rich variety of waterfowl and other animals due to its diverse habitats.
Are there accessible options for visitors with mobility needs?
Thornton Reservoir is a good option for accessibility, featuring a paved, traffic-free trail all around the reservoir with plenty of benches, making it suitable for wheelchairs and those seeking an easier walk.
What facilities are available at Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park?
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers a good free car park (though payment by card or app may now be required) and available toilets, making it a convenient destination for a day out. There is also an information board.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife spotting and longer walks, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Even in winter, places like Thornton Reservoir, with its paved path, remain accessible for refreshing walks.
Are there any specific trails for mountain biking near the lakes?
Yes, Hicks Lodge is well-known for its biking opportunities. Specifically, the Hicks Lodge Blue Trail is a popular bikes-only trail featuring flowy sections, bumps, and berms. You can find more mountain biking routes in the region's MTB trails guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Hugglescote And Donington Le Heath?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor activities. Many enjoy the peaceful walks, the chance to observe wildlife, and the transformation of former industrial sites into havens for nature. The traffic-free trails and well-maintained paths at places like Thornton Reservoir are frequently highlighted for their relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
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