The best walks and hikes around Harby
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Hikes around Harby explore the rolling countryside of the Vale of Belvoir. The village is situated below the Belvoir escarpment, with routes crossing a patchwork of fields and following sections of historic waterways like the Grantham Canal. The terrain is generally gentle, featuring well-maintained paths through woodland and open farmland.
Best hiking trails around Harby
- The most popular hiking route is Doddington Hall to Skellingthorpe Old Wood loop, a 5.4 mile (8.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. This route features paths through the historic Skellingthorpe Old Wood.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Old Wood Archway Entrance – Doddington Hall and Gardens loop from Harby, a moderate 4.9 mile (7.8 km) path. The trail combines woodland sections with open views around the Doddington Hall estate.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the St Peter's Church, Doddington – Doddington Hall and Gardens loop from Harby, a 2.7 mile (4.3 km) trail leading through the grounds of Doddington Hall, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Harby is defined by gentle farmland paths, woodland trails, and level canal towpaths. The network of walking routes Harby offers provides options for various fitness levels, from short, easy strolls to longer circular hikes.
- The routes in Harby are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 250 reviews. More than 3,300 hikers have used komoot to explore Harby's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.6
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hikers
8.67km
02:14
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
43
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.7
(3)
45
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(13)
45
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
amazing old railway trail into lincoln - generally quiet, slightly busier as your approach skellingthorpe end.
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Description of gravel not accurate, at on point you have to cycle around the side of a wheat field, very rutted, also nettles about 3 feet high in places. When you turn of the road on the byway it is blocked across the field with electric fences for the horses. Not a very nice ride.
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It can be busy, with the café, the restaurant the bike and other shops. With those attractions goes at least two sets of toilets
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Awesome little stop to fuel up on coffee and a cake - also a full cafe menu for more options. Don't forget to visit the giant bike shop next door for bikes and repairs
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Great place to grab a coffee and look for a new bike.
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Doddington Hall is a fine Elizabethan manor house with walled gardens. It also has a large GIANT bike store on-site, with a very cyclist friendly coffee shop in the store.
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Be mindful of walkers when your on your bike, the place is bike friendly and the cafe makes a welcome stop mid tour
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Leave your bike outside, its safe, cafe staff are working outside monitoring whilst you go in and grab refreshments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks starting from Harby?
Yes, Harby is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. The area features numerous loops that take you through the rolling countryside of the Vale of Belvoir and back to the village. Many routes incorporate sections of the Grantham Canal towpath, offering varied and scenic journeys without the need to retrace your steps.
What are the best family-friendly hikes near Harby?
The area offers many gentle walks suitable for the whole family. For an easy and engaging outing, consider the St Peter's Church, Doddington – Doddington Hall and Gardens loop from Harby. It's a relatively short walk of about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) on mostly flat paths, making it manageable for little legs.
Can I take my dog on the walking trails around Harby?
Most trails around Harby are dog-friendly, but it's best to keep your dog on a lead, especially when crossing farmland with livestock. The paths through Skellingthorpe Old Wood and along the Grantham Canal are popular choices for dog walkers, offering plenty of space and interesting scents.
Are there any walks that include a pub along the way?
Many circular routes are designed to start or end in villages with traditional pubs. Harby itself has a pub, making it a convenient place to relax after your hike. You can easily plan a route that loops back to the village for a well-earned drink or meal.
Where can I find the most scenic views in the area?
For panoramic vistas, seek out trails that climb the Belvoir escarpment. From these higher points, you are rewarded with sweeping views across the Vale of Belvoir. Many routes also offer beautiful scenery along the Grantham Canal and through the historic grounds of nearby estates like Belvoir Castle.
How many hiking trails are available around Harby?
There are over 170 hiking routes to explore around Harby. The selection ranges from short, easy strolls perfect for an afternoon walk to more challenging all-day hikes, with the majority being easy or moderate.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Harby?
The trails around Harby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths through woodlands and farmland, and the beautiful views from the Belvoir escarpment.
Are there any long-distance footpaths that pass near Harby?
Yes, the Leicestershire Round, a 100-mile long-distance trail, passes through the region. You can tackle a section of this renowned footpath for a longer day hike, experiencing a part of a larger journey through the county's diverse landscapes.
What is the terrain like on the hikes around Harby?
The terrain is generally gentle and varied. Expect a mix of level canal towpaths, rolling hills, open farmland with visible medieval ridge and furrow patterns, and shaded woodland paths. Most routes follow well-defined tracks suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
Are there any easy walks that start from a different village nearby?
Yes, if you're looking for a change of scenery, the Doddington Hall and Gardens – Old Wood Archway Entrance loop from Doddington is a great option. It's an easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) walk that explores the area around the historic hall and its woodlands.
Is it possible to go for a longer, more moderate hike in the area?
Certainly. For a longer outing, the Fledborough Viaduct loop from Wigsley offers a moderate 8-mile (13 km) hike. This route provides a great opportunity to explore the wider landscape and its interesting features, like the historic viaduct.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking near Harby?
The Grantham Canal is a highlight for wildlife spotting, where you can see a variety of waterfowl and dragonflies. The surrounding woodlands and fields are home to birds of prey, deer, and foxes. The diverse habitats support a rich array of flora and fauna throughout the year.
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