5k Run Charnwood: Explore Bradgate Park and Tower

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 4.7km circuit in Charnwood offers a fantastic introduction to the rugged beauty of Leicestershire's premier parkland. Starting from the charming village of Newtown Linford, the route balances paved paths with natural trails as you climb toward Hunt's Hill. With roughly 101 meters of ascent, it is categorized as a hilly run that will definitely get your heart rate up, but the panoramic views from the higher elevations make every step worth the effort. The terrain is a classic "Short & Low" (SL) mix, offering solid underfoot conditions for roughly twenty percent of the loop, while the remainder lets you experience the raw, ancient landscape that attracts trail runners from across the region.

Steeped in history, Bradgate Park is famously known as the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, the "Nine Days' Queen." As you navigate the trails, look out for the iconic "Old John" Tower, a 1784 folly perched on the park's highest point, which serves as a majestic backdrop for your run. The area is also home to herds of wild Red and Fallow deer that have roamed this volcanic landscape for centuries. Local runners often recommend heading out early in the morning to catch the mist rising off the River Lin and to enjoy the sense of solitude in what was once a medieval deer park. It truly is a hidden gem in the heart of the Charnwood Forest.