Walk 2187 - printer friendly version

Bradgate Country Park from Hallgates Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.4 miles / 5.5 km

Ascent - 450 feet / 136 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SK542114
Lat 52.6975740 + Long -1.1994219
Postcode LE7 7HQ (approx. location only)

A circular walk in Bradgate Country Park starting from the Hallgates car park at the northern end of the park. The route includes the Old John Tower which lies at the highest point of the park, the restored chapel, and ruins of Bradgate House, the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, a beheaded Queen of England, the visitor centre and the shores of Cropston Reservoir. A longer version of this walk from the Newton Linford entrance can be found at Walk 2175.

After parking in the Hallagtes pay and display car park (grid ref. SK542114), pass through the main gate into the country park and immediately turn right to follow a path with a wall on your right. After passing through the wall, walk half right and follow a narrower path which leads through bracken to run alongside a wall and Hallgate Hill Spinney. At the end of the Spinney on your right, continue ahead and continue to reach the Huntshill entrance (grid ref. SK525116).

Turn left and make a beeline for Old John Tower which occupies the highest point in Bradgate Park. Its position offers a grandstand view across the park. To continue descend on a grassy path to the left of the walled group of trees. Aim for the right-hand side of a small group of trees (grid ref. SK530109). After passing the trees, turn left on a cross path and walk alongside Bowling Green Spinney on your right. After 150 metres turn half right to follow a clear path along the eastern side of the Spinney. Continue downhill to pass the restored chapel and remains of Bradgate House (on your left) to reach a wide path (grid ref. SK534101).

Turn left and continue along the broad path to the Visitor Centre (grid ref. SK539103) where displays provide information about the park and the residence of Lady Jane Grey who lived in Bradgate House. There is also a tearoom here. To continue pass in front of Visitor Centre (building on your immediate right) and follow the clear path which soon runs beside Cropston Reservoir. Continue ahead to return to Hallgates Car Park.

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