6k Run Charnwood: Scenic Loop in Bradgate Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.4km loop through Bradgate Park offers a quintessential Leicestershire running experience, blending manageable elevation with breathtaking views. Starting from the charming village of Newtown Linford, you’ll tackle a mix of paved paths and rugged forest tracks as you climb roughly 94 meters through Old John Wood and the Deer Park. The terrain is moderately hilly, categorized as a "hilly 2," providing enough of a challenge to get your heart rate up without being overwhelming. Expect to share the trail with the park's famous resident deer as you traverse from Hallgate Hill Spinney through the ancient woodland of Coppice Wood, making this a perfect mid-distance run for those seeking scenery and fresh air.

Steeped in history, Bradgate Park is located in the heart of the Charnwood Forest and is perhaps best known as the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, the "Nine Days' Queen." As you run past the silhouette of Old John Tower—a local landmark built in 1784—you are stepping onto some of the oldest precambrian rocks in England. The area serves as a vital green lung for the Charnwood district, offering a glimpse into the medieval landscape of the Leicestershire Round. Keep an eye out for the ruins of Bradgate House, which provide a dramatic backdrop to your final kilometers back towards the village.