The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Leicestershire

Leicestershire offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 160 routes available for you and your canine companion to explore. These range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain across Leicestershire's dog-friendly trails. Expect rolling hills, ancient woodlands like Swithland Wood and Charnwood Forest, tranquil waterways, and open meadows. Some areas, such as Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill, feature rugged hills and rocky outcrops, while others like Aylestone Meadows offer more accessible, flatter paths.

Yes, Leicestershire has many easy dog-friendly routes. For a gentle stroll, consider the Grace Dieu Viaduct – Grace Dieu Priory Ruins loop from Whitwick, which is just over 7 km. Another accessible option is the Mere Pond – Deer Park at Calke Abbey loop from Staunton Harold, offering a pleasant 5.3 km walk with minimal elevation.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Beacon Hill Country Park, one of Leicestershire's highest points. From its summit, you can often see as far as the Peak District on a clear day. The Vale of Belvoir, particularly from Burrough Hill, also provides stunning vistas. You can also find great viewpoints like Breedon on the Hill Church and Viewpoint or View from Buck Hill.

Many of the dog-friendly routes in Leicestershire are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the View of Whitwick Monastery – Mount St Bernard Abbey loop from Whitwick offers a moderate 12.8 km circular hike. The Leicestershire Round, a 100-mile circular route, also offers sections suitable for day hikes.

Leicestershire's trails are rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore ancient woodlands, discover 600-million-year-old Precambrian rocks in Bradgate Park, or visit the ruins of Bradgate House and Old John Tower. Other notable features include the Bradgate Park Deer Park, Swithland Reservoir, and the Iron Age hill fort at Burrough Hill.

Leicestershire offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings vibrant bluebell displays in woodlands like Charley Woods. Summer is ideal for longer days and exploring open landscapes. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, especially in wetland areas like Cossington Meadows, which come alive with bird species. Always check local conditions, especially in winter.

While many trails in Leicestershire pass through rural areas where livestock may be present, some routes, particularly those through dedicated woodlands or country parks, might offer more opportunities to avoid them. Always keep your dog on a lead when livestock are nearby or when signs indicate. Areas like Swithland Wood or sections of Beacon Hill Country Park might have fewer livestock encounters than open pastures.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Leicestershire, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from ancient woodlands to panoramic viewpoints, and the well-maintained paths. Many appreciate the historical landmarks and the opportunity to enjoy nature with their dogs.

Yes, for those seeking a longer adventure, Leicestershire offers several moderate to difficult dog-friendly hikes. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey – Robin Wood loop from Staunton Harold is a challenging 16.8 km route with significant elevation. Another option is the View of Whitwick Monastery – Mount St Bernard Abbey loop from Shepshed, a 12.7 km moderate hike.