STEP THIS WAY TO DISCOVER
all know the usual places to go for a walk in the country or town park.
Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Bosworth Battlefield are all really busy on sunny days - and even on not so sunny days.
Here are a few ideas for places that are not so well known in the county that may be just a little quieter for a walk.
These walks were suggested by Clarks, the footwear company.
They analysed thousands of reviews of TripAdvisor attractions, spanning beaches, forests, parks and hiking trails to find the best “hidden gems” in the UK.
If you have grown tired of your usual walk, here is a list of local spots that would be ideal for a winter stroll.
Each of these places was among the least reviewed but best rated in TripAdvisor:
The Outwoods, Woodhouse Eaves
This 110-acre woodland site is one of the oldest surviving in Charnwood and has a number of paths and routes to walk along.
As well as idyllic views, the Outwoods also offers cheap all-day parking.
Castle Hill Country Park, Anstey
Offering a little piece of history as well as a lovely walk is Castle Hill Country Park.
The park, established in the 1980s, is home to the medieval Castle Hill Earthworks which it was named after and covers 250 acres of land, split by A46.
Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, Measham
This footpath and cycleway follows what was formerly the Ashby and Nuneaton railway line between Spring Cottage and Measham.
The trail has links to a number of attractions, including Conkers and Moira Furnace.
Ashby Canal
Both the Southern and Northern section of space, bordering Beaumont Leys and Anstey respectively, offer great views.
The canal is perfect for an easy walk and offers a gateway into historical Leicester.
It stretches across the Leicestershire countryside for almost 22 miles and has a number of attractions en route, including the Bosworth Battlefield visitor centre and Sutton Cheney.
With lots to do and see, this is a perfect spot for family walks and bike rides.
Whatton House, Loughborough
This English Country house was initially built in 1802 and remains a private home. But its tranquil gardens are a perfect local escape.
Some of the charming features from the original 1802 gardens remains alongside the rest of space which was redesigned in the late 19th century.
In the woodland areas, some of the trees have stood for more than 200 years.
They sit alongside a number of flowered gardens and a large arboreWE tum - perfect for a peaceful stroll. Thornton Reservoir, Thornton
The popular beauty spot is just a short drive from Leicester.
Surrounding the reservoir is miles of picturesque countryside and wildlife.
Offering a number of trails and footpaths, Thornton Reservoir is ideal for both a gentle stroll or long afternoon walk.
While it’s not so much a hidden gem, Victoria Park is often one forgotten about if you don’t live close to Leicester city centre
Aylestone Meadows, Leicester
The nature reserve is a quiet oasis in the city and was a popular picnic spot before the pandemic restrictions.
If you are a nature and wildlife lover, you can spot a number of bird breeds and otters along the river.
The Great Central Way which runs through the Aylestone Meadows makes for an easy and scenic walking route.
If you live in the city and want a
break that is close by, Aylestone Meadows is a great spot.
Charnwood Water, Loughborough
A circular path follows this lake in Loughborough offering a short but peaceful outing.
The space was formerly a brickworks site which supplied bricks for St Pancras Station in London.
Swithland Wood, Woodhouse Eaves
Swithland Wood offers several paths and routes to follow through a landscape of ancient woodland.
Although it might have fallen slightly under the radar on TripAdvisor, the area is a notable Leicestershire attraction which sits north of Bradgate Park.
It offers a series of pretty streams and lots of wildlife to look out for.
Wilton Park, Melton Sence Valley Forest Park, Ibstock
This park sits between Ibstock and Heather in Leicestershire on the site of a former open cast mine. It has a number of paths to walk including flat and uphill, as well as picturesque lakes.
This family-friendly park in the county is a peaceful spot to enjoy during a break from your usual routine.
It is home to various gardens and seating areas to stop and enjoy during a weekend stroll.
The park also has a rose garden that was created in 1998 as a memorial to the Princess of Wales.
Its pavillion cafe is also popular among locals.
Braunstone Park, Braunstone
Braunstone Park offers a great, open space for a family walk.
Different paths allow walkers to enjoy the various aspects the park offers.
As well as lakes and wildlife it is home to several formal gardens including a Second World War memorial garden.
Knighton Park
The park sits in the heart of the Knighton suburb of Leicester and as well as having a lot of open grasslands, is home to gardens and walking paths.
A stream that runs through the park makes for a tranquil escape, whether you want a brisk walk on your lunch break or a long winter walk.
Victoria Park
The park is just a stone’s throw away from the city centre and while it’s not so much a hidden gem, it’s often one forgotten about if you don’t live close to the city.
Cycling and walking paths around and through the park are shaded by trees.
While the park was unable to host a number of annual events in 2020, it became a haven for people looking for an outdoor space during the lockdowns.
Evington Park
Evington Park is a popular green space for locals and another spot that is not far from the city centre.
Despite its surrounding, heavily populated area, a walk through the park is still as tranquil as the country
estate is used to be before being opened as a public space in 1948.
Its wildlife makes it particularly popular for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Swithland Wood offers several paths and routes to follow through a landscape of ancient woodland.
Bouskell Park, Blaby
Located in the the historic area of Blaby, the park marks the start of the local heritage trail.
You can follow the gravel path which will take you around the park or opt for wellies and walk through the wooded area.
Work on the historic ice house, which was once used to preserve food and drinks, began earlier this year - another attraction in the park.
Western Park, West End
This city park is the largest in Leicester and ideal for a socially-distanced stroll.
Explore a woodland walk or a bike ride around the cycle trail.