Bradgate Park, located in Leicestershire, England, offers a variety of walking routes that cater to different interests and fitness levels. The park covers 850 acres of land and features a high-quality path that runs the entire length of the park on the lower side. This path is approximately 2.5 miles long and passes by a cafe and picnic area around halfway along its length.
Popular Bradgate Park Walks
10.4-Mile Bradgate Park Walk
One popular walking route is the 10.4-mile walk that starts at Bradgate Park’s Newtown Linford Entrance and takes you through the park, Old John Tower, Beacon Hill, and Swithland Wood. This walk includes a mix of uphill and downhill sections, with an ascent of 351m. The route begins in the Bradgate Park car park at Newtown Linford, where you can find the entrance at Bradgate Rd, Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HB, UK. The walk passes by various points of interest, including the War Memorial, Old John Tower, Lingdale Gold Club, Broombriggs Farm Country Park, Beacon Hill, Beacon Hill Country Park, Windmill Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, Swithland Wood, Cropston Reservoir, and Bradgate House.
Bradgate Park Circular
Another walking option is the Bradgate Park Circular, a 3.1-mile loop trail that is considered moderately challenging. This route starts and ends at the Newtown Linford car park and offers a good mix of woodland and open parkland. It is a popular trail with 117 reviews on AllTrails, where users have given it an average rating of 4.5 stars.
Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood Walk
For those looking for a longer walk, the Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood walk is a 10-mile route that explores the wild and rugged landscape of Bradgate Park, with its gnarled oak trees and dramatic rock formations. This walk also takes you through Swithland Wood, which covers 150 acres and is known for its picturesque scenery.
Wellbeing Walks at Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park also offers Wellbeing Walks, which take place every week and start from the Newtown Linford car park. These walks are open to all visitors and provide an opportunity to enjoy the park’s natural beauty while improving physical and mental wellbeing.
Practical Information
- Bradgate Park’s opening hours are from 8 am to 8 pm during the summer months and from 8 am to 6 pm during the winter months.
- The park is free to enter, but there is a charge for parking. The parking fees are £3 for up to 2 hours, £4 for up to 4 hours, and £5 for all-day parking.
- There are toilets and a visitor center located near the Newtown Linford car park.
Bradgate Park is a fantastic destination for walkers of all abilities, offering a range of routes that showcase the park’s natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Bradgate Park has something to offer.
References:
– Hill Explorer: Bradgate Country Park, Old John Tower, Beacon Hill, and Swithland Wood
– Bradgate Park Trust: Wellbeing Walks at Bradgate Park
– AllTrails: Bradgate Park Circular, Leicestershire, England
– The Outdoor Guide: Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood walk, Leicestershire
– AllTrails: 10 Best Hikes and Trails in Bradgate Park