The best walks and hikes around Barrowden

There are over 250 hiking routes to explore around Barrowden. The trails range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, with the majority being classified as easy or moderate, ensuring there are plenty of options for different fitness levels.

Yes, the area is generally very welcoming for dogs. The open countryside and woodland paths are great for walks with your four-legged friend. Please remember to keep your dog on a lead, especially when crossing fields with livestock in the Welland Valley and within nature reserves to protect local wildlife.

For a shorter, accessible walk that's great for families, consider the Harringworth Viaduct – Welland Viaduct loop from Harringworth. It's a relatively flat, 3-mile (4.8 km) route that offers fantastic views of the impressive viaduct without being too strenuous for little legs.

Absolutely. Barrowden is an excellent starting point for a classic pub walk. Many circular routes begin or end in the village, allowing you to finish your hike at the Exeter Arms, a highly-regarded local pub known for its country charm and good food.

Yes, circular walks are very common in this area. Most trails are designed as loops, starting and finishing in or near villages like Barrowden, Morcott, or Harringworth. This makes logistics simple as you can easily return to your starting point without needing to arrange transport.

The Jurassic Way is an 88-mile long-distance footpath that passes directly through the Barrowden area. You can easily join the trail for shorter sections, such as a walk through the Welland Valley, or use it as part of a longer circular route to explore the region's distinctive limestone landscape.

Wakerley Great Wood is an ancient woodland offering a network of well-marked trails. On a hike like the Wakerley Great Wood Trails loop from Barrowden, you can expect peaceful paths under a dense tree canopy, diverse flora and fauna, and a tranquil atmosphere away from the open fields of the valley.

For some of the most rewarding views of the Welland Viaduct (also known as the Harringworth Viaduct), the Welland Viaduct – Harringworth Viaduct loop from Morcott is an excellent choice. This moderate 7.7-mile (12.4 km) trail is popular specifically because it provides several fantastic perspectives of the historic 82-arch structure.

Yes, for those seeking a longer and more demanding hike, the View of Eyebrook Reservoir – Stoke Dry Wood loop from Morcott is a great option. This difficult trail covers nearly 18 miles (29 km) and involves more significant elevation changes, rewarding hikers with expansive views over the Eyebrook Reservoir.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the Welland Valley, the well-maintained paths through ancient woodlands, and the impressive views of local landmarks like the Welland Viaduct.

Yes, a section of the Rutland Round, a circular trail exploring the best of the county's countryside, passes near Barrowden. This allows you to incorporate parts of this well-known local path into your hikes and explore the wider Rutland landscape on foot.