Walk 2175 - printer friendly version

Bradgate Park from Newtown Linford Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.8 miles / 7.8 km

Ascent - 550 feet / 167 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SK523098
Lat 52.6833780 + Long -1.2277877
Postcode LE6 0HJ (approx. location only)

This walk from Newtown Linford explores Bradgate Park which lies north of Leicester. The route includes the ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor manor, the shores of Cropston Reservoir, the Old John Tower, and the opportunity to see fallow deer. The paths are clear and easy to follow crossing open parkland interspersed with areas of woodland. A shorter version of this walk from the Hallgates entrance can be found at Walk 2187.

The walk starts from the pay and display Newtown Linford car park (grid ref. SK523098). After parking, walk to the park entrance fates at the rear of the parking area. Pass through the entrance and join the wide tarmac path signed to the visitor centre. The path soon passes a series of pools and weirs in the scenic Little Matlock Gorge. Reaching the ruins of Bradgate House on your left, continue ahead on the tarmac path and continue to the Visitor Centre (grid ref. SK539103) where displays provide information about the park and the residence of Lady Jane Grey who lived in Bradgate House. There is also a tearoom here.

Pass in front of Visitor Centre (building on your immediate right) and follow the clear path which soon runs beside Cropston Reservoir. Continue ahead to reach Hallgates Car Park (grid ref. SK542113). Just before the car park, turn left and continue through a wall. After passing through the wall, walk half right and follow a narrower path which leads through bracken to run alongside a wall and Hallgate Hill Spinney. At the end of the Spinney on your right, continue ahead and continue to reach the Huntshill entrance (grid ref. SK525116).

Turn left and make a beeline for Old John Tower which occupies the highest point in Bradgate Park. Its position offers a grandstand view across the park. To continue descend on a grassy path to the left of the walled group of trees. Aim for the right-hand side of a small group of trees (grid ref. SK530109). After passing the trees, turn left on a cross path and walk alongside Bowling Green Spinney on your right. After 150 metres turn half right to follow a clear path along the eastern side of the Spinney. Continue downhill to pass Bradgate House (on your left) to join the outward route. Turn right along the wide tarmac path and return to the start.

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