Leicestershire Round
Leicestershire Round: Complete Guide to Hiking the Iconic Circular Trail in Great Britain
Discover the Leicestershire Round, a captivating 161-kilometer circular trail that winds through the picturesque heart of the English countryside. As you journey along its route, you'll experience a mosaic of landscapes—from lush rolling fields and ancient woodlands to tranquil streams and charming rural villages steeped in history. The path traverses gentle hills, crosses over rustic stiles, and meanders past iconic landmarks, offering hikers moments of peaceful solitude and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
This moderate trail invites both seasoned walkers and those seeking a long-distance adventure to immerse themselves in the varied scenery of Leicestershire. The ever-changing views, combined with a mix of dirt tracks, gravel paths, and occasional country lanes, make the Leicestershire Round an unforgettable way to explore traditional English landscapes. Expect warm hospitality at local inns and plenty of spots to pause, picnic, and take in the serene beauty of the East Midlands.
Route Overview
The Leicestershire Round is a circular trail starting and ending at Newtown Linford, but as it is a loop, hikers can begin or finish at any point along the route. The path is commonly divided into sections spanning rural countryside, woodland, and small towns. Key locations along the route include Market Bosworth, Bosworth Battlefield, Foxton Locks, Fleckney, Tilton on the Hill, Belvoir, Burrough Hill, and Beacon Hill, among others. The trail offers access to transportation and amenities in several of these villages and towns, providing flexibility for planning overnight stops.
Most walkers complete the full loop over approximately 7 days, covering daily distances of 20–25 kilometers, though the duration may vary depending on fitness levels and chosen resting points. Trail conditions vary from well-maintained dirt and gravel tracks to country lanes and footpaths crossing open farmland, with some shorter sections on paved surfaces. Route waymarking is present but can be uneven, so carrying maps or digital navigation is advisable. The trail is accessible year-round, but optimal conditions are found from spring to autumn, when the ground is drier and daylight hours are longer. There are campsites, inns, and occasional hotels along or near the trail, making the hike suitable for both staged day-walks and a continuous multi-day trek.
The History and Origins of the Leicestershire Round Trail
The Leicestershire Round was established in 1987 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Leicestershire Footpath Association (LFA), a group dedicated to preserving and promoting public footpaths throughout the county. Designed as a tribute to Leicestershire’s walking heritage, the route connects a network of existing public rights of way, old bridleways, and ancient trackways, many of which have been walked for centuries by villagers, farmers, and travelers traversing the region.
Along the way, the trail passes close to historically significant sites, including the famous Bosworth Battlefield, where the pivotal final battle of the Wars of the Roses took place in 1485. Hikers also encounter charming market towns and villages, each with its own stories and local traditions dating back generations. The Leicestershire Round not only offers a scenic exploration of the countryside but also serves as a living connection to the county’s rich past, reflecting both the natural and cultural history that shapes this distinct corner of Great Britain.
Notable highlights
- Bosworth Battlefield: Experience the iconic site of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth, where Richard III was defeated and the Tudor dynasty began. The area features a visitor center, marked trails, and interpretive displays about this major historical turning point.
- Bradgate Park: Walk through one of Leicestershire’s most beloved parks, boasting dramatic rocky outcrops, ancient oak trees, roaming herds of deer, and the striking ruins of Bradgate House—birthplace of Lady Jane Grey.
- Market Bosworth: Stroll through this picturesque market town with its timber-framed buildings, charming market square, and links to the Bosworth Battlefield.
- Foxton Locks: Marvel at a unique series of ten canal locks on the Grand Union Canal, accompanied by a historic lock keeper’s cottage, waterside cafés, and interactive displays that showcase the region’s industrial heritage.
- Beacon Hill Country Park: Ascend to one of Leicestershire’s highest points for sweeping panoramic views, unique rock formations, and tranquil woodland walks.
- Burrough Hill: Explore the remains of an Iron Age hillfort with far-reaching vistas across the Leicestershire countryside and a habitat rich in wildflowers and butterflies during spring and summer.
- Ullesthorpe Mill: Visit this restored 19th-century windmill and nature reserve, offering a glimpse into the area’s agricultural history and peaceful rural scenery.
- Stoney Cove: Discover this former quarry, now a renowned inland diving site and nature spot that provides a different outdoor adventure just off the trail.
- Thrussington and Queniborough: Pass through classic red-brick villages, each with historical churches, welcoming pubs, and snapshots of traditional English village life.
- Wistow Maze and Rural Centre: Take a break at this popular family-friendly stop, with its award-winning maze, farm shop, and café nestled in scenic surroundings.
Challenges to expect
The Leicestershire Round is a moderate long-distance trail, but its length and varied terrain present notable challenges. The route covers over 160 kilometers, often traversing undulating countryside with steady elevation changes, which can be physically demanding over multiple days. Some sections may involve walking on uneven, muddy, or waterlogged ground, especially after rainfall, making sturdy waterproof footwear and gaiters advisable for much of the year.
Waymarking on the trail can be inconsistent, particularly at field crossings or in wooded areas where trail signs may be absent or weathered. Carrying detailed maps or a GPS device is essential to avoid missing crucial turns, especially where the path merges briefly with local roads or passes through villages.
Weather in Leicestershire can be unpredictable, with rain showers possible at any time during spring, summer, or autumn. Fields and footpaths can become slippery or flooded, slowing progress and complicating navigation. There are limited sheltered spots between villages, so hikers should be prepared for exposure to wind and rain, and plan accordingly for food, water, and rest breaks—especially in more remote rural stretches.
United Kingdom 
England - Forest
- Urban
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Paved
- Hotels
- Campsites
- Wild camping spots
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
Begin your journey in Newtown Linford, close to Bradgate Park, and head northwards through woodland paths and rural tracks. The route passes the historic grounds of Bradgate Park, home to herds of deer and iconic ruins, before winding through Swithland Woods and across rolling countryside towards the village of Markfield. Expect well-maintained tracks and scenic open fields on this introductory section.
Leaving Markfield, the trail heads west and traverses rural farmland, quiet villages such as Thornton, and wooded copses. On the approach to Market Bosworth, you’ll pass close to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, site of the famous 1485 battle. The route continues through a landscape of gentle undulations and open fields, entering Market Bosworth—a picturesque town with classic English charm.
From Market Bosworth, the path heads southeast through farmland and small hamlets. The landscape alternates between pastoral meadows and tree-lined tracks. Passing through Shenton and Stapleton, the route gradually approaches the engineer’s marvel of Foxton Locks, a flight of ten canal locks, and the nearby tranquil canal-side village of Foxton.
The trail sets out from Foxton, following footpaths past rural cottages and open countryside. You’ll pass through the villages of Glooston and Cranoe before reaching the high ground at Tilton on the Hill. This section includes both gravel tracks and dirt paths, and features wide-ranging views as you ascend toward the village, one of the highest points on the trail.
Heading north, the path traverses a mix of high ground and sheltered valleys, passing through Illston on the Hill and Great Dalby. Continuing over farmland and through several quiet villages, the section ends near Belvoir, close to the impressive Belvoir Castle estate, with picturesque parklands and agricultural scenery dominating this stretch.
From Belvoir, the route undulates southward through open fields, past small hamlets, and across the valleys of northeast Leicestershire. This day brings you to Burrough Hill Country Park, location of an ancient Iron Age hillfort, where sweeping views reward the ascent. There are stretches of remote countryside and traditional farm landscapes to experience along the way.
The final section leads from the historic site at Burrough Hill through a blend of woodland, hilltop paths, and rural villages. Passing through the scenic Bradgate Park estate, you’ll complete the circuit as you return to Newtown Linford. This stretch features mixed trail surfaces and some of the best panoramic views of surrounding Leicestershire.