Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beacon-hill-country-park-and-cafe-loughborough"><a href="https://leicscountryparks.org.uk/parks/beacon-hill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beacon Hill Country Park and Café</a>, Loughborough</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Beacon-Hill-Country-Park-1024x683.jpg" alt="Beacon Hill Country Park" class="wp-image-50806" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Beacon-Hill-Country-Park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Beacon-Hill-Country-Park-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Beacon-Hill-Country-Park-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Beacon-Hill-Country-Park.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Pass by craggy rocks, up through&nbsp;Beacon Hill&nbsp;where you can spot&nbsp;wooden sculptures, and a natural play area – handy for any cooped-up kids you might have on your hands  &#8211; see the <a href="https://leicscountryparks.org.uk/parks/beacon-hill/?view=explore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">map&nbsp;here</a>. Enjoy some cake and coffee or a hot pastry at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/beaconhillcafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;The Beacon Hill Café</a>, it&#8217;s open daily except for Christmas Day and is always a winner for friendly service too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bosworth-battlefield-and-1485-tithe-barn-cafe-market-bosworth"><a href="https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/bosworth-battlefield-country-park-walking-route#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bosworth Battlefield and 1485 Tithe Barn Café</a>, Market Bosworth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="632" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Bosworth-Battlefield-Country-Park.jpg" alt="Bosworth Battlefield Country Park" class="wp-image-53670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Bosworth-Battlefield-Country-Park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Bosworth-Battlefield-Country-Park-300x190.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Bosworth-Battlefield-Country-Park-768x485.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are plenty of gentle walks to enjoy through the 30 hectare park, try the 3.7 mile <a href="https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/bosworth-battlefield-country-park-walking-route#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bosworth Battlefield Walk</a>, which boasts panoramic views over the Leicestershire countryside (if you park at the Heritage Centre, be aware there is quite a steep parking charge). Be sure to visit the<a href="https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre</a> en route to find out all about the place Richard III met his untimely death and, after your trek, refuel at the onsite 1485 Tithe Barn Café, housed in a beautiful medieval barn. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tugby-to-hallaton-circular-and-cafe-ventoux">Tugby to Hallaton circular and <a href="https://www.cafe-ventoux.cc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Café Ventoux</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Cafe-Ventoux-853x1024.jpeg" alt="Soup at Cafe Ventoux Tugby" class="wp-image-53753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Cafe-Ventoux-853x1024.jpeg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Cafe-Ventoux-250x300.jpeg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Cafe-Ventoux-768x922.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Cafe-Ventoux.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



<p>One for the keen walker, this rather lengthy Leicestershire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visorando.co.uk/walk-hallaton-glooston-rolleston-from-tugby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">route</a>&nbsp;(almost 20km) visits the rolling landscape to the south-east of Tugby to reach the small but picturesque village of Hallaton. You’ll cross footbridges, go through courtyards, walk through the open countryside, pass the edge of Noseley Wood and then back into Tugby. Fuel up at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cafe-ventoux.cc/opening-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cafe Ventou</a><a href="https://www.cafe-ventoux.cc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">x</a>&nbsp;– a heaven for walkers and cyclists alike and the perfect place for a pastry and hot drink.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-glen-and-pennbury-farm">Great Glen and <a href="https://www.pennburyfarm.co.uk/">Pennbury Farm</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="947" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Pennbury-Farm.jpeg" alt="Pennbuy farm cafe Great Glen Leicestershire" class="wp-image-53755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Pennbury-Farm.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Pennbury-Farm-300x284.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Pennbury-Farm-768x727.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This 8 mile stretch takes in Great Glen and one of the county’s most beautiful churches too. Start at family-run <a href="http://www.pennburyfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennbury Farm </a>where you can sit by the log burner and grab a coffee and a cheeky bacon sandwich (if you park here be sure to make time after your walk to raid the fantastic farm shop). Head to Little Stretton and then across to King’s Norton, where you’ll find one of Leicestershire’s finest churches, St John The Baptist. Follow the path to Burton Overy and through Great Glen back to where you started. See the full walk<a href="https://walking.fleckney.online/great-glen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rutland-water-and-rutland-nursey">Rutland Water and <a href="https://www.rutlandnursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutland Nursey</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="918" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Rutland-Nursey-918x1024.jpeg" alt="rutland nursey restaurant " class="wp-image-53759" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Rutland-Nursey-918x1024.jpeg 918w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Rutland-Nursey-269x300.jpeg 269w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Rutland-Nursey-768x857.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Rutland-Nursey.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></figure>



<p>There are plenty of pretty walks nestled within 4200 acres of stunning countryside at Rutland Water  but a great one for those looking for an easy stroll is to start at gorgeous <a href="https://www.rutlandnursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutland Nursery</a>. Walk along Lyndon Road to Normanton and walk across the dam to Sykes Lane and back. The route is flat and smooth with fantastic views and dogs are welcome too. Next time you can try something a little longer by checking out the Rutland Water walking map <a href="https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/sites/default/files/maps/rutland.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-harborough-waterfront-to-foxton">Market Harborough <a href="https://waterfrontharborough.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterfront</a> to Foxton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="581" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/11/Foxton-Locks.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53128" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/11/Foxton-Locks.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/11/Foxton-Locks-300x174.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/11/Foxton-Locks-768x446.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Start at the canal basin in Market Harborough and walk along the canal to Foxton Locks which is just over 5 miles. Follow the Market Harborough Arm of the <a href="https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/market-harborough-canal-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grand Union Cana</a><a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/grand-union-canal-walk-walking-route">l</a> for this pretty waterside walk. It runs for about 6 miles along a nice flat towpath, passing a series of pretty bridges. Pick up the towpath and follow it past Great Bowden and Gallow Hill to Foxton Locks. The area includes a woodland trail, lovely rural views and the pretty village of Foxton. You can walk past the prison (well, it&#8217;s something different) and across the fields back to Market Harborough and then refuel at <a href="https://waterfrontharborough.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Waterfront.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moira-furnace-and-hub-cafe-ashby-de-la-zouch"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/from-the-furnace-walk#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moira Furnace</a> and Hub Café, Ashby-de-la-Zouch</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="702" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Moira-Furnace-Walk.jpg" alt="Moira Furnace Walk" class="wp-image-53764" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Moira-Furnace-Walk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Moira-Furnace-Walk-300x211.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/12/Moira-Furnace-Walk-768x539.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This <a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/from-the-furnace-walk#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five-mile circular walk</a> explores the industrial and natural heritage of Moira, taking you from the Furnace Museum, through new woodlands and wildlife habitats, and along the canal towpath, with traces of the industrial past that once dominated the landscape. Refuel and the onsite Hub Café.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stoke-bruerne-canal-walk-and-the-navigation-inn">Stoke Bruerne canal walk and <a href="https://www.navigationstokebruerne.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Navigation Inn</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Stoke-Bruerne-Northamptonshire.jpg" alt="Stoke Bruerne Grand Union" class="wp-image-29411" /></figure>



<p>The canal towpath at Stoke Bruerne is a great spot for a family walk, without having to get up to your waist in mud, and kiddos will love seeing the boats along the canal with smoke pouring from their chimneys. Park in the carpark beside the Canal Museum (currently open 10am-6pm and well worth a visit – they also have a lovely cafe) and potter along past the locks in either direction, you can even venture over the Blisworth tunnel. There are usually plenty of swans, ducks and moorhens cruising about on the water and, when you’ve finished feeding the birds, you can always head to the super friendly <a href="https://www.navigationstokebruerne.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Navigation Inn</a> for some post walk refreshment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hellidon-village-walk-and-red-lion-pub">Hellidon village walk and <a href="https://redlionathellidon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Lion</a> pub</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/red-lion-hellidon.jpeg" alt="Red lion hellidon" class="wp-image-31136" /></figure>



<p>This pretty village makes for a lovely starting point for a fairly easy there and back trip to Lower Catesby. Start at the fabulous <a href="https://redlionathellidon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Lion</a> and follow the Jurassic Way past chocolate box cottage aplenty and then along a farm track for around one and a quarter miles towards Lower Catesby. From here you can return to the pub for a well-earned glass of red and a packet of cheese and onion crisps or make it a <a href="https://northamptonshirewalks.co.uk/about/walk-69-the-peaks-of-our-stunning-county-hellidon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circular walk</a> by taking a bridleway to the left at Lower Catesby (you’ll need sturdy boots for this one) and back down past the Manor House (around 4 miles in total).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fawsley-hall-to-badby-wood"><a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/fawsleyhall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fawsley Hall</a> to Badby Wood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/12/FawsleyHallSnow.jpg" alt="Fawsley in the snow" class="wp-image-25051" /></figure>



<p>The undulating landscape around <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/badby-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badby Woods</a> on the Fawsley Estate is perfect for a bit of a pulse raiser. The woods themselves are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, having stood here for over a thousand years and abundant with flora and fauna. The crumbling grandeur of the old gatehouse and the edge of the woods makes a picturesque scene. There are rough footpaths though, so not one for the buggy or wheelchair. Round off your walk with lunch in the Cedar Restaurant or afternoon tea in the Tudor Hall at <a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/fawsleyhall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fawsley</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fotheringhay-castle-and-the-falcon-inn">Fotheringhay Castle and <a href="https://www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Falcon Inn</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/07/Fotheringhay-church-from-castle.jpg" alt="Fotheringhay-church-from-castle" class="wp-image-22670" /></figure>



<p>Start at the Falcon Inn and walk through this beautiful, historic village towards the remains of the motte and bailey castle, which is famously the site of Mary Queen Of Scots’ execution and Richard III’s birthplace. You can explore the castle site, which is really just a small hill with some stones nearby, but is certainly impressive with the River Nene meandering by. If you’re feeling energetic, continue along the Nene Way footpath to Eaglethorpe and Warmington and then turn towards the stunningly beautiful Elton Park and the village of Elton. You can admire the historic water mill before heading back towards Fotheringhay alongside Willow Brook and enjoying the splendid hospitality at this <a href="https://www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">family run pub</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mantles-heath-to-the-plough-everdon">Mantles Heath to <a href="https://theplougheverdon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plough</a>, Everdon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/mantles-heath.jpg" alt="mantles heath everdon the plough northants" class="wp-image-44291" /></figure>



<p>One of our all-time favourite Northants walks heads down the hill from Mantles Heath, past Snorscomb Mill to Everdon, where you’ll find the fabulous <a href="https://theplougheverdon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plough</a>. Now boasting a seriously foodie menu dedicated to local, seasonal produce. The wine list is outstanding, with close to 200 wines. Good job you’ll be able to walk it all off as you head back up the hill.</p>


12 winter walks across Northants, Leics and Rutland with warming pitstops

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