The best walks and hikes in Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve

Access to the main car park is for Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust members who have a key code for the gate. Non-members have limited access from a layby on Warren Hills Road. It's important to check the Trust's visitor information before you go as access to many areas is restricted.

Yes, there are many easier options available. For a shorter, accessible hike, consider the View of Bardon Hill Quarry – Bardon Hill Trig Point loop from Agar Nook. This 2.1-mile (3.4 km) trail has minimal elevation gain and offers a great introduction to the area's landscape.

To protect the sensitive habitats and wildlife, dogs are generally not permitted within the main Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve. It's best to check the latest guidance from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust before your visit. Nearby areas like Outwoods and Hick's Lodge are often cited by locals as good alternatives for dog walking.

Most of the popular trails in the area are circular. A great example of a longer loop is the Mount St Bernard Abbey – Blackbrook Reservoir loop from Shepshed. This 7.4-mile (11.9 km) route provides a comprehensive tour of the varied landscapes, including woodland and reservoir views.

Charnwood Lodge is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers can look for buzzards, kestrels, tree pipits, and all three species of woodpecker. The heathlands are home to butterflies like the Holly Blue and Green Hairstreak in summer. The reserve's diverse habitats also support ten species of bats and a variety of rare ferns and wildflowers.

The reserve is famous for its dramatic Precambrian rock outcrops, which are around 600 million years old. These are some of the oldest rocks in Britain. As you hike, you'll see these rugged stones protruding through the heathland, creating a unique and ancient-feeling landscape that has earned the area its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

There are over 400 routes to explore in and around Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve. The network includes everything from short, easy strolls to more challenging moderate hikes, with over 250 trails rated as easy, ensuring there's a path for every fitness level.

The trails in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the wild, natural feel of the landscape, the ancient rock formations, and the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands. The well-marked paths through diverse habitats are also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, for full access, membership with the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is required. Members receive a key code for the main car park and can explore the wider network of trails within the reserve. Non-members are restricted to limited access from a layby on Warren Hills Road, so joining the Trust is recommended for the full experience.

While the reserve itself is a protected natural area without commercial facilities, you can find pubs and cafes in the surrounding villages. A short drive will take you to nearby towns like Coalville or Shepshed where you can find refreshments. It's a good idea to plan your post-hike stop before you set off.

Charnwood Lodge offers a wilder, more secluded hiking experience with a focus on conservation and ancient geology. It's managed as a nature reserve with restricted access, making it quieter. Bradgate Park is a larger, more public country park with more facilities, open parkland, and resident deer, so it tends to be busier and more family-oriented.