Best natural monuments around Snarestone offer diverse natural landscapes within the National Forest. This rural village provides access to significant natural features and attractions, including the Ashby Canal, known for its rich aquatic plant life and diverse dragonflies. The area is characterized by its transformation from former industrial sites into havens for wildlife and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore extensive woodlands, serene canal paths, and rewilded landscapes.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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Following the planting of 300,000 native broadleaf trees from 2012-2015, QEDJW is now flourishing into a beautiful young woodland made up of oak, field maple, silver birch, beech and hornbeam, to name just a few. Bluebell and wood anemone light up the forest floor in the ancient woodland areas in springtime, and at the lake you’ll find vegetation including bull rush and yellow iris.
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A nice place for a walk in the sunshine
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Absolutely gorgeous trails through pine forests. The land is part of the national forest. The site was once opencast mining and is now a haven for wildlife.
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Bardon Hill is the highest point in Leicestershire (278m) and reputedly on a clear day the Malvern and Shropshire Hills (approx. 50–60 miles), summits in Derbyshire (approx. 30–40 miles) and Lincoln Cathedral (almost 50 miles away) can be seen. Excitingly, Bardon Hill is part of the eroded remains of a volcano. At its summit are a trig point and a radio mast.
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Bardon quarry hill the highest trigger point in Leicestershire
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Walk to Bardon hill great for walking on a good weather at top of Bardon hill you can see far Good for mountain biking
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Visitors frequently enjoy Bardon Hill Trig Point, which is the highest point in Leicestershire and offers extensive views. Another favorite is Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, known for its flourishing young woodland and lake. The National Forest Pine Trail is also popular for its scenic trails through pine forests.
The most notable geological feature is Bardon Hill, which is part of the eroded remains of a volcano. It stands as the highest point in Leicestershire, offering a unique insight into the region's ancient geological past.
Yes, several natural areas are great for families. Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is ideal with its lake and young woodland. The National Forest Pine Trail also offers family-friendly trails through pine forests. Additionally, Pooley Country Park, home to the Burnt Sunlight Sundial, features surfaced trails, a children's play area, and a cafe.
The Ashby Canal, particularly the stretch between Snarestone and Carlton, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) rich in aquatic life. You can observe diverse varieties of dragonflies, herons, kingfishers, moorhens, and various fish species like bream, roach, chub, and pike.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Ashby Canal's towpath or explore the extensive woodlands of the National Forest. For more structured routes, consider the many hiking routes around Snarestone, road cycling routes, or mountain biking trails that traverse the region's diverse landscapes.
Yes, both Sence Valley Forest Park and the National Forest Pine Trail are compelling examples of environmental reclamation. Sence Valley Forest Park was transformed from an opencast coal mining site into a haven for wildlife, and the Pine Trail also occupies land that was once an opencast mining area, now rewilded into a thriving forest.
The best way to experience the Ashby Canal and its unique tunnel is by walking or cycling along its towpath. The canal is free of locks in this section, making it a peaceful environment to observe wildlife and enjoy the picturesque countryside.
Snarestone is on the edge of the National Forest, providing easy access to numerous woodlands. You can explore the flourishing young woodland at Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, or walk through the pine forests of the National Forest Pine Trail. Sence Valley Forest Park also offers extensive woodland planting and walking opportunities.
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland is a natural area featuring footpaths that connect to the Ashby Heritage Trail and the National Forest Trail. It's a place for quiet reflection and walks amidst nature, though some areas can be quite wet and boggy, requiring appropriate footwear.
From the summit of Bardon Hill, the highest point in Leicestershire, you can enjoy extensive long-distance views on clear days. It's said that on a good day, you might even see the Malvern and Shropshire Hills, summits in Derbyshire, and Lincoln Cathedral.
Yes, Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood features a lake where you can find vegetation like bull rush and yellow iris. Sence Valley Forest Park also has Horseshoe Lake, around which visitors can enjoy short walks.
The National Forest is a large-scale environmental project aiming to link the ancient forests of Charnwood and Needwood. Snarestone lies directly on its edge, providing easy access to its diverse habitats and extensive tree planting. It represents a monumental natural undertaking that enriches the local landscape.


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