#2 - Thornton Reservoir and Bagworth Heath Woods Circular Walk
Hartshill Hayes Country ParkLength: 5.9 mi • Est. 2 h 56 m
A circular walk from the village of Thornton in Leicestershire. The route is a real countryside classic, starting with a circuit around Thornton Reservoir with lots of wildlife to enjoy. Leaving the reservoir behind, the route heads through the village, passing Thornton Mill and crossing paddocks and a railway line to reach a section of the National Forest. Manor Wood and Bagworth Heath Woods occupy the site of a former colliery and are now planted with a huge variety of native trees giving a wonderful wild effect. Beyond the National Forest, you join a simple enclosed path and then a short section across pastures to return to the village where hospitality awaits.
The route has several steady climbs and descents throughout. Some of the paths are surfaced, but the unmade stretches can get very muddy. You will need to negotiate several kissing gates, some steps plus 7 stiles (3 of the stiles have adjacent dog gates, the other 4 have fencing gaps suitable for small dogs and are fairly low for larger dogs to climb. You will need to cross the railway twice, at official crossing points but without signals, so look and listen carefully for trains before you cross. Most of the route is free from livestock, but you will need to cross three paddocks, two pastures that may be holding cattle and one pasture that may be holding sheep. Allow 3 hours.
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