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Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Beacon Hill Summit loop from Markfield

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Beacon Hill Summit loop from Markfield

Moderate

4.6

(11)

hikers

Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Beacon Hill Summit loop from Markfield

04:41

17.0km

300m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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3.17 km

The Lightning Tree

Highlight • Viewpoint

Personally i love this tree, its one of many in the park that have been damaged by lightning over the centuries, but this one in particular has always stood out every time i visit.

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3.82 km

Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial, Bradgate Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

A war memorial sitting on high ground in Bradgate Park

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4.03 km

Old John is the highest hill in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. It gives its name to the folly that stands at its top. The hill stands at 696 foot (212 m) high, and is a prominent landmark across Leicester and Leicestershire.

The earliest recorded use of the name is on a map of 1754, which records a windmill on the site, some 30 years before the tower was built. The tower itself began life as a ruined folly, built in 1784, during the time of George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford. He got Thomas Sketchley of Anstey to build him the mock ruin, which had strong similarities to Mow Cop, Staffordshire. It was adapted in the mid-19th century by the seventh Earl to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses, along with the building of a stable block lower down the hill.

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4.37 km

Old John Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

Theres no cyclist access :(

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5.49 km

Rough Hill Woodlands

Highlight • Forest

Rough Hill is a 28ha Tender Scheme in Charnwood. It is a nature conservation-focused scheme with a good mixture of habitats. This woodland comprises a good mixture of habitats. An existing spinney has been thinned to favour the broadleaved trees. Bracken has been removed and heather seeding used to establish heath grassland and heathland typical of this area. The rocky outcrops provide habitats for lichens and basking areas for invertebrates and reptiles. The pond is being managed for waterfowl and a floating island provides nesting and roosting areas.

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8.74 km

Conservation Area

Nature Reserve

9.40 km

Beacon Hill Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Beacon Hill is a tremendous viewpoint and the second highest peak in Leicestershire. It showcases spectacular views of Charnwood Forest, the Soar Valley and beyond.

Situated just 2 miles from the M1 motorway and a stone's throw away from Loughborough, the peak offers superb accessibility for those seeking fabulous views with minimal effort.

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