The best walks and hikes around Normanton On Soar
4.5
(1045)
8,752
hikers
383
hikes
Hiking around Normanton On Soar offers diverse landscapes within the scenic Soar Valley. The region is characterized by the River Soar, which provides tranquil riverside paths, and expansive farmland offering open views. Many routes feature a mix of tree-lined tracks and open fields, with the generally flat terrain making paths accessible for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Normanton On Soar
- The most popular hiking route is View of Agricultural Fields – View from Cuckoo Bush loop from West Leake, a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 55 minutes to complete. This route offers expansive views of agricultural fields.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Llamas Near Barrow upon Soar – View of Agricultural Fields loop from East Leake, a moderate 7.5 miles (12.0 km) path. This trail traverses open farmland, occasionally spotting llamas near Barrow upon Soar.
- Local hikers also love the Burnside Island – Normanton on Soar Weir loop from Hathern, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail leading through the River Soar and its tranquil weir, often completed in about 1 hour 27 minutes.
- Hiking around Normanton On Soar is defined by riverside tranquility, open farmland, and historic architecture. The network offers options for different ability levels, from leisurely strolls to more moderate excursions.
- The routes in Normanton On Soar are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 8000 hikers have used komoot to explore Normanton On Soar's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.5
(2)
66
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(18)
43
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(8)
33
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(7)
50
hikers
8.90km
02:14
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
27
hikers
5.77km
01:27
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The church was medieval and parts of the north wall date from the 12th century but it was restored in 1878 by the architect Henry Hall. The church is Grade II* listed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
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Sutton Bonington is an unusual village in that it has two medieval churches, St Michael's and St Anne's, a legacy from the days when Sutton and Bonington were two separate villages. St Anne's is a 12th-century Grade II* listed building.
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Sutton Bonington is an unusual village in that it has two medieval churches, St Michael's and St Anne's, a legacy from the days when Sutton and Bonington were two separate villages. St Michael's is a 13th-century Grade II* Listed building.
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There are some lovely country walks in the area surrounding the large village of East Leake. To the north west are the West Leake Hills, a gently rolling patchwork of farmland and woodland. The Midshires Way long-distance trail passes through the village. In the village you will find a Co-op supermarket and a number of smaller shops for a quick mooch. There are four pubs and plenty of other places to eat or drink. Accommodation can be sought at the Midshires Way Campsite and Alpaca Farm, which has modern glamping lodges, or at Elms Farm B&B.
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The Star at West Leake has been serving excellent food and welcoming walkers for decades. There's a choice between the bar menu or the Pit House restaurant menu, depending on your inclination. There's also bed and breakfast on offer, with beautiful en suite rooms.
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Put yr bike to one-side whilst they check you in at the door. Covid precautions on point! Cycle is wheeled through pub’s one way system. Big garden space with chilled atmosphere + great service. Best chip butty in while. Fireplace too!
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Put yr bike to one-side whilst they check you in at the door. Covid precautions on point! Cycle is wheeled through pub’s one way system. Big garden space with chilled atmosphere + great service. Best chip butty in while. Fireplace too!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Normanton On Soar?
Normanton On Soar offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 390 routes recorded on komoot. This includes nearly 230 easy trails, 145 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every hiker.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Normanton On Soar?
Yes, the region is known for its generally flat terrain, especially along the River Soar, making it ideal for easy walks. There are over 230 easy trails available. A great option for a leisurely stroll is the Burnside Island – Normanton on Soar Weir loop from Hathern, which is about 3.6 miles and takes less than 1.5 hours.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Normanton On Soar?
Hiking in Normanton On Soar offers diverse landscapes within the scenic Soar Valley. You'll encounter tranquil riverside paths along the River Soar, expansive farmland with open views, and a mix of tree-lined tracks and open fields. The area is characterized by its natural beauty and agricultural charm.
Are there any circular walking routes in Normanton On Soar?
Yes, many of the hiking routes in Normanton On Soar are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of Agricultural Fields – View from Cuckoo Bush loop from West Leake is a popular circular trail offering expansive views.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the trails?
The area around Normanton On Soar is rich in points of interest. Many routes follow the River Soar, offering opportunities to see the unique Normanton on Soar Chain Ferry during warmer months and the historic St. James' Church. You might also encounter areas like Diamond Wood, or even spot llamas near Barrow upon Soar on trails like the Llamas Near Barrow upon Soar – View of Agricultural Fields loop from East Leake.
Are there any nature reserves or natural monuments nearby that I can visit?
Yes, there are several notable natural areas. You could explore the Attenborough Nature Reserve, or visit natural monuments like Beacon Hill Summit and Swithland Wood. Blackbrook Reservoir and Charnwood Nature Reserve also offer beautiful natural settings.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Normanton On Soar?
The trails in Normanton On Soar are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 1000 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil riverside paths, the open farmland views, and the well-maintained routes suitable for various abilities.
Are there any trails that go through Diamond Wood?
Yes, some hiking loops incorporate areas like Diamond Wood, offering a different natural environment to explore. The Diamond Wood Active Trail – Cows by the Countryside Path loop from West Leake is one such route, providing a moderate 13.3 km experience.
What is the typical duration for hikes in Normanton On Soar?
Hiking durations vary widely depending on the route and your pace. Many easy trails can be completed in under 2 hours, such as the View of Agricultural Fields – View from Cuckoo Bush loop from West Leake which takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. Moderate trails, like the Llamas Near Barrow upon Soar – View of Agricultural Fields loop from East Leake, can take around 3 hours 10 minutes.
Is Normanton On Soar a good place for pub walks?
While specific pub walks are not detailed in the guide data, Normanton On Soar is a village with historic architecture and local establishments. Many hikers enjoy combining their walks with a visit to a local pub, and the village's setting makes it conducive to finding such opportunities after a riverside or farmland stroll.
Are there any trails with good viewpoints in the area?
The expansive farmland and open fields characteristic of the Soar Valley provide numerous opportunities for scenic views. While not mountainous, trails like the View of Agricultural Fields – View from Cuckoo Bush loop from West Leake offer broad vistas of the agricultural landscape. For more elevated viewpoints, nearby attractions like Beacon Hill Summit are worth considering.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Normanton On Soar?
The flat terrain and varied landscapes of Normanton On Soar make it suitable for hiking year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for riverside walks and enjoying the chain ferry. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the tree-lined paths, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy.
Most popular attractions around Normanton On Soar
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