The best walks and hikes around Ulverscroft

Ulverscroft offers a wide variety of hiking routes, with over 600 trails to explore. Approximately 360 of these are considered easy, 230 are moderate, and a smaller selection of 16 routes are more challenging, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

Yes, Ulverscroft has many family-friendly hiking options, particularly among its easy trails. The area features accessible paths, and the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation offers way-marked paths, including some accessible routes. For a shorter, easy option, consider the National Forest Way: Beacon Hill Loop, which is 3.6 km long and offers varied landscapes.

The terrain in Ulverscroft is diverse, characterized by the ancient Charnwood Forest. You'll encounter Precambrian rock formations, dense woodlands, and open heathland. While many paths are easily accessible, some routes require sure-footedness, especially on more challenging trails. The area offers a genuinely remote feel despite its Midlands location.

Yes, many of the hiking routes in Ulverscroft are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Beacon Hill Summit – The Labyrinth loop from Woodhouse is a moderate 8.2 km circular path that explores the area around Beacon Hill Summit.

Ulverscroft is rich in historical points of interest. A significant attraction is the atmospheric Ulverscroft Priory Ruins, a 12th-century Augustinian priory that serves as a focal point for several walks. You can explore these ruins on routes like the Ulverscroft Mill Ruins – Ulverscroft Priory Ruins loop from Newtown Linford.

Absolutely. Beacon Hill Summit is Leicestershire's second-highest peak and offers spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley, and beyond. It's easily accessible and a highlight on many trails, including the Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Beacon Hill Summit loop from Markfield.

The Ulverscroft Nature Reserve is a 56-hectare reserve managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. It features diverse habitats and is particularly beautiful during the spring bluebell season. Access to the reserve typically requires a permit. For more information on permits, you may need to check with the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust directly.

The hiking routes in Ulverscroft are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the remote feel of the ancient Charnwood Forest, and the variety of trails suitable for different abilities.

Many trails in Ulverscroft are suitable for dogs, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion. However, always be mindful of local signage, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock, and keep dogs under control. The varied woodlands and open heathland provide plenty of opportunities for walks.

Ulverscroft offers enjoyable hiking throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. Spring brings vibrant bluebells to the woodlands, while autumn showcases stunning foliage. The Ulverscroft Nature Reserve is especially beautiful during the spring bluebell season. Summer is also popular, and even winter hiking can be rewarding, though conditions may require appropriate gear.

Beyond Beacon Hill, the area boasts the ecologically rich Ulverscroft Valley, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its diverse plant life, including rare orchids. You can also find other natural monuments like Swithland Wood and various lakes such as Bradgate Park Deer Park and Swithland Reservoir, which offer additional scenic beauty.