Charnwood Forest Trail

Route Overview

The Charnwood Forest Trail is a 4.5-mile circular walk that explores one of the most ancient and characterful landscapes in the East Midlands. Charnwood Forest is not a conventional forest of dense trees, but rather a mosaic of rocky outcrops, heathland, mixed woodland, and pastoral farmland, all underlain by some of the oldest rocks in England. This walk threads through the heart of this distinctive landscape, offering a varied and rewarding outing for dogs and their owners.

Starting from the car park at Woodhouse Eaves, the route climbs gradually through mixed woodland of oak, birch, and rowan before emerging onto the open heathland above the village. The rocky ridgeline provides excellent views across the Soar Valley to the east and the higher ground of Bardon Hill and Beacon Hill to the north and south. The ancient rocks here - a mixture of volcanic tuffs and slates - are exposed in dramatic outcrops that give the landscape a rugged, upland character quite unlike the gentler countryside of the surrounding lowlands.

The middle section of the walk follows field paths and quiet lanes through undulating farmland, passing through the hamlets of Swithland and Woodhouse. Dry stone walls, a rarity in Leicestershire, line some of the lanes, adding to the distinctive character of the area. The route passes close to Swithland Reservoir, a Victorian water supply that is now an important nature reserve and a serene stretch of open water framed by mature woodland.

The return leg climbs back through the woods above Woodhouse Eaves, passing through bluebell glades in spring and under a canopy of autumn colour later in the year. The moderate difficulty rating reflects the undulating terrain and the mixed surfaces, which include some rocky sections and potentially muddy paths through the woodland. However, the walk never feels strenuous, and the constantly changing scenery keeps the miles passing quickly.

Dog-Friendly Features

Dogs will find plenty to enjoy on the Charnwood Forest Trail. The woodland sections offer superb off-lead walking with natural boundaries, rich scent trails, and soft ground underfoot. The heathland areas are also suitable for off-lead exercise, with good visibility and no roads nearby. However, several sections of the route cross farmland where livestock may be present, so be prepared to put your dog on lead in these areas and check each field carefully before entering.

There is no readily accessible water source along much of the route, so carrying water is essential. Swithland Reservoir is visible but not directly accessible from the path. A small stream crosses the route in the woodland near Woodhouse, where dogs can drink and paddle. The varied surfaces - leaf litter, grass, gravel, and rock - provide good sensory stimulation, and the woodland sections are particularly engaging for dogs who love to explore and investigate.

Dog waste bins are available at the car parks and in the villages but not along the rural sections of the route - please bag and carry waste between settlements. The trails are shared with other walkers and occasionally horse riders, so recall should be reliable before letting dogs off lead.

Getting There & Parking

The recommended start is the main car park in Woodhouse Eaves village (LE12 8RZ), which has space for approximately 30 vehicles. Parking is free but limited, and the car park fills up on popular weekends. There is some additional roadside parking in the village, but please park considerately and avoid blocking residential driveways.

Loughborough railway station is approximately 4 miles to the north-east, and bus services connect Loughborough with Woodhouse Eaves. The route can also be started from Swithland or Woodhouse, where limited roadside parking is available.

Seasonal Tips

Spring is beautiful on the Charnwood Forest Trail, with bluebells carpeting the woodland floor and birdsong filling the canopy. The heathland comes alive with gorse flowers from March onwards. Summer brings warm walking conditions, though the exposed heathland sections can be hot - start early or walk in the evening. Autumn is magnificent in the mixed woodland, with a full palette of colours from the oaks, birches, and rowans. The bracken turns copper on the hillsides, complementing the golden tones of the trees.

Winter walks are invigorating but the paths can be muddy in the woodland sections and slippery on the rocky outcrops. Waterproof boots with ankle support are essential from November to March. The route is exposed on the higher ground, so windproof clothing is advisable. After persistent rain, the lower field paths can become waterlogged - gaiters are useful in these conditions.

Nearby Facilities

Woodhouse Eaves has several pubs and a village shop. The Curzon Arms is a popular dog-friendly pub with a good food menu and a welcoming atmosphere. The Wheatsheaf also admits dogs and has a pleasant garden. For supplies, Quorn village is a short drive away and has a wider range of shops and services. Loughborough has all major amenities.

Veterinary services are available in Quorn and Loughborough. The nearest pet supplies are in Loughborough. Beacon Hill Country Park is directly adjacent to the route and can be combined for a longer outing.