Bradgate Park is one of the most scenic places for a run in the Leicester area. Located 7 miles northwest of the City Centre, Bradgate Park features 830 acres of scenic countryside. It dates back 800 years as an enclosed deer park! There are several miles of trails through a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. Just north of Bradgate Park is Swithland Wood, which has several miles of mainly wooded trails.
Bradgate Park
For running, there’s something for everyone! The northern part of Bradgate Park is more rugged and hillier. The trails are mainly dirt and mowed grass, winding through a an open landscape of fields and hills. The southern part of the park is flatter and less rugged.
A loop of the park perimeter is ~4.5 miles. For an easier run, a paved path (carriageway) runs for 1.75 miles between the P1 & P3 car parks on the map. The carriageway passes by Bradgate House, remnants of the 16th-century birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, a beheaded Queen of England.
Swithland Wood
Swithland Wood. Kev747 at en.wikipedia
Swithland Wood is located just north of Bradgate Park, across Roecliff Rd. The 170-acre area features several miles of mainly wooded trails. It’s a rich woodland of mature oak, birch, alder and lime. Some trails are a bit narrow and rugged, while others are wider and easier. At the northern end is one of the finest remaining traditional wildflower meadows in Leicestershire. The trail map shows some suggested loops. It’s ~1 mile from the north-south in the Wood.
Bradgate Park is one of the most scenic places for a run in the Leicester area. Located 7 miles northwest of the City Centre, Bradgate Park features 830 acres of scenic countryside. It dates back 800 years as an enclosed deer park! There are several miles of trails through a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. Just north of Bradgate Park is Swithland Wood, which has several miles of mainly wooded trails.
Bradgate Park
For running, there’s something for everyone! The northern part of Bradgate Park is more rugged and hillier. The trails are mainly dirt and mowed grass, winding through a an open landscape of fields and hills. The southern part of the park is flatter and less rugged.
A loop of the park perimeter is ~4.5 miles. For an easier run, a paved path (carriageway) runs for 1.75 miles between the P1 & P3 car parks on the map. The carriageway passes by Bradgate House, remnants of the 16th-century birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, a beheaded Queen of England.
Swithland Wood
Swithland Wood. Kev747 at en.wikipedia
Swithland Wood is located just north of Bradgate Park, across Roecliff Rd. The 170-acre area features several miles of mainly wooded trails. It’s a rich woodland of mature oak, birch, alder and lime. Some trails are a bit narrow and rugged, while others are wider and easier. At the northern end is one of the finest remaining traditional wildflower meadows in Leicestershire. The trail map shows some suggested loops. It’s ~1 mile from the north-south in the Wood.
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Essentials
See trail maps for distance details
Rolling Hills
Depends on area chosen
There are several fee-based car parks. See trail map. Note parking fees are separate for Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood.
There are miles of scenic paths along the Soar River in Leicester. We've mapped north & south sections from the City Centre, and also recommend a loop around the lovely Victorian-era Abbey Park.
One of our favorite runs in Leicester. Several miles of paths around lakes, wetlands, and meadows in this preserve of that has abundant wildlife and 200 species of birds. Part of the northern section of River Soar paths.
This 'Runseeing' tour of Leicester has a nice variety: key sites in the historic City Centre, mainly on pedestrianized streets; New Walk; Victoria Park & Leicester University; and Leicester Castle & Castle Gardens. Add with Stokeswood Park, Abbey Park, river paths.
Aylestone Meadows, Leicester's largest nature preserve, has been a recreation destination for more than 100 years. It's a mosaic of pastures, trees, river margins and small ponds, criss-crossed by several miles of paths.
Some nice park running in western Leicester. A highlight is Braunstone Park, a 168-acre open space with formal gardens, 2 lakes, jogging paths with gym equipment. Combine with Western Park. Just west is Western Park Golf Course, a large open space with footpaths.
The Great Central Way is a paved multi-use path that follows an old rail line from the City Centre south to Glen Parma in the Soar Valley. It's not always the most scenic run, but it's a good opportunity to clock some easy, flat off-road miles.
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Essentials
See trail maps for distance details
Rolling Hills
Depends on area chosen
There are several fee-based car parks. See trail map. Note parking fees are separate for Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood.
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!