As we venture into another week of lockdown, it's easy to allow the restrictions to get you down. If you feel like you need a pick me up, or just a new place to venture, here are a few ideas for places to go for a walk in and around Loughborough.
Loughborough is a town full of life, with a bustling marketplace, a large university, and lots of wildlife. It's easy to forget that the town is also connected to many beautiful places of nature, right on its doorstep.
With another week of lockdown beginning, it's getting easier and easier to forget about the world outside our front doors, and just stay at home. It's important to get out once in a while to breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy the sunlight.
According to Mind, being out in nature can benefit both your physical and mental well being and is proven to be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, improving your mood and helping you to be more confident. So, if you're looking for a new place to explore, here are some suggestions for a walk in Loughborough and how to get there.
Charnwood Water
About | Charnwood Water is a former clay pit covering an area of some 27.12 acres. Bordering the tracks of the Great Central Railway, it's roughly a 30 minute walk around this peaceful lake. If you have small ones to entertain (or if you're a big kid yourself!) there are plenty of ducks and swans in residence here who are happy for a crumb or two as you take
in the beautiful surroundings.
To get there | Charnwood Water has a good-sized car park that can be found on Tuckers Road in Loughborough. You can also access the site by a footpath opposite the Loughborough Cemetery on Leicester Road. To see how to get to Charnwood Water from where you live, take a look on Google maps here.
Burleigh Woods
About | Burleigh Woods, often known as the Bluebell Woods, is a hidden gem of a nature reserve located next to Loughborough University, who owns and manages the 22 acre grounds. Both these woods and Holywell Wood, which is also owned and managed by the University, are listed in the Leicestershire Inventory of Ancient Woodlands, which adds a certain amount of interest and intrigue to your visit. There's a bit more information on the woods and the University's management plan here.
Burleigh Woods is known for its famous bluebells and beautiful trees in Spring, but is just as captivating in the winter with its historic roots and beautiful wildlife. You could easily spend a lot of time here, but it's roughly a 45 minute walk around the woods. If you're going at this time of year, though, we recommend wellies as it's a bit muddy.
To get there | You can access Burleigh Woods via a footpath which begins with a left turn at the end of Kirkstone Drive. After a 10 minute walk, following the main path, you'll reach Burleigh Woods. To see how to get to Kirkstone Drive from where you live, take a look on Google maps here.
The Outwoods
About | The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodlands and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood, as well as being one of the most well-known places to go for a walk in Loughborough. Alongside beautiful trees and vibrant wildlife, there's an array of breathtaking views on the way around the woods. You could spend between 30 minutes to 2 hours here due to the size of the woods and the different routes. Click here for a copy of the Council's leaflet with a map and some more information about the woods.
To get there | You can access The Outwoods via a turn off From Woodhouse Lane. The car park costs £1 for the duration of your stay and if you become a regular visitor you can get a season ticket for £40 from Charnwood Council. To see
how to get to The Outwoods from where you live, take a look on Google maps here.
We're lucky in having lots of great walks around our town. If you'd like to share a favourite route, whether it's local to Loughborough or closer to where you live, please drop us a line at marketing@woodgatefp.co.uk and let us know. No matter where you're located, we hope we've inspired you to go out and enjoy the countryside.
Please walk responsibly and follow the latest government guidance by only walking locally, keeping socially distanced if on a walk with another person, and limiting your time outdoors.