Explore Melton Mowbray and the stunning Leicestershire countryside at your own pace with a network of scenic walking and cycling routes.

If you’re a fan of scenic strolls, Melton has some hidden gems that are perfect for a peaceful walk in nature. From Burrough Hill to the Melton Navigation, these spots are ideal for enjoying the outdoors, taking in the fresh air and marvel the beautiful carpet of snowdrops this season.

Melton Mowbray offers a variety of walking trails suitable for different preferences and fitness levels.

Here are some of the best walks to explore in the area.

 

Circular Walk from Burrough Hill Iron Age Hill Fort

This 6.2‑mile (9.8 km) circular walk takes you on a memorable journey through one of Leicestershire’s most iconic historic landscapes. Starting at Burrough Hill Iron Age Hill Fort, the route offers an enticing blend of wide‑open countryside, peaceful field paths and outstanding panoramic views across the Vale of Belvoir. It’s a moderate loop, perfect for visitors who enjoy history, scenery and a good stretch of the legs in equal measure. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside—something best experienced on a clear day when visibility stretches for miles.

The walk also links up with parts of the Leicestershire Round, giving walkers the chance to extend their route or connect with longer-distance trails

 

Melton Country Park

One of the most relaxed and welcoming walking experiences in the area, making it a favourite spot for gentle strolls, family visits and peaceful moments in nature. The park’s well‑kept paths wind around tranquil lakes and through stretches of woodland, creating an easy and enjoyable route suitable for all ages and abilities. With bird hides, picnic spots and a visitor centre, it’s the perfect place to take your time, explore at your own pace and enjoy Melton’s natural beauty in a safe, accessible setting.

Families will enjoy the wide, open spaces and accessible paths that allow for easy pushchair and wheelchair use, while dog walkers appreciate the mix of open grassy areas and woodland trails. The resident wildlife—from ducks and geese on the water to dragonflies, songbirds and playful squirrels—adds to the charm and gentle pace of the park.

 

Holwell Reserves

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside north of Melton Mowbray, Holwell Reserves offer a wonderfully quiet and scenic escape for walkers who enjoy wildlife, geology and tranquil natural landscapes. Formed from a series of former ironstone quarries, the reserves now feature a mix of grassland, woodland and striking rock faces that create a truly distinctive walking environment.

A visit here is perfect for those who appreciate nature at its most abundant. The area is known for its vibrant wildflowers, butterflies, and a wealth of other wildlife that thrives across the varied terrain. In spring and summer, the meadows come alive with colour, while the sheltered woodland paths offer peaceful, shady routes ideal for a slower-paced stroll.

Walkers can enjoy several short trails that weave through different habitats, from open grassy spaces to more rugged quarry landscapes. These routes are generally easy to moderate, making the reserves accessible for families, casual walkers or anyone looking to enjoy a gentle adventure surrounded by nature.

Holwell is also a favourite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts, thanks to its rich biodiversity and dramatic quarry scenery. Whether you’re taking a mindful walk, exploring with children or simply seeking a quiet place to unwind, Holwell Reserves offer a refreshing and memorable outdoor experience just a short distance from Melton Mowbray.

 

Walks along the Melton Navigation

Discover the tranquil beauty of the Melton Navigation, a historic waterway that winds from Melton Mowbray to the River Soar. This picturesque stretch of the River Wreake offers some of the area’s most peaceful and scenic walking routes, perfect for anyone who loves riverside rambles, heritage features, and charming countryside views. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a longer adventure, the Navigation has something for every pace and every season. Explore more

Melton Mowbray to Sysonby Lock: Perfect for families and relaxed walkers, this short route follows a tranquil riverside path to the historic Sysonby Lock. Expect peaceful scenery, wildlife along the banks and an easy, refreshing stroll close to town.

Melton Mowbray to Asfordby: A favourite for those wanting a slightly longer walk, this route heads west along the Navigation past open meadows and old lock structures. It’s a lovely mix of nature and heritage, ending near the welcoming village of Asfordby.

Asfordby to Hoby: One of the most scenic stretches of the Navigation, this walk follows the gentle curves of the river all the way to the charming village of Hoby. Expect quiet countryside, beautiful views and a real sense of escape.

Melton Mowbray to Rotherby: If you’d like a half‑day walking adventure, this route offers a blend of riverside paths, fields and wildlife-rich stretches. Enjoy panoramic rural scenery and peaceful footpaths perfect for switching off and soaking up nature.

For the keen explorer, the Melton Navigation can also be enjoyed as part of a longer walk extending all the way to Cossington, where the waterway links to the River Soar. With its mix of heritage, wildlife and countryside charm, it’s a rewarding route for more experienced walkers.

 

The 10^th Parachute Battalion Trail and Memorial Pathway

A meaningful stop for history lovers, this trail features a commemorative sculpture honouring the Tenth Battalion of The Parachute Regiment, located on Twyford Road opposite Burrough Court. It marks the area where the Battalion was billeted in 1944 before departing for Arnhem, with only 36 of the 582 men returning two weeks later. It’s a peaceful and reflective place to visit, offering a poignant connection to Melton’s wartime heritage.  Burrough Court located right next to the memorial trail, this historic estate is now a business hub with a café, woodland walks and links to the area’s wartime history.  Explore more.

 

Wymondham Loop

A charming countryside walk set in the rolling rural landscape of east Leicestershire, the Wymondham Loop is perfect for visitors looking to enjoy peaceful farmland views, gentle paths and the quintessential character of a traditional village. Starting in the picturesque village of Wymondham, the route offers a relaxed blend of open fields, quiet lanes and scenic rural stretches, ideal for a refreshing and unhurried outing.

For shorter strolls, the Wymondham Circular route is around 1.3 miles, offering an easy loop from the village and through surrounding farmland, with views across open fields and a tranquil stream crossing along the way. This makes it a lovely option for families or those wanting a quick, scenic wander that can easily be paired with refreshments before or after the walk.

 

Long Clawson

Set in the peaceful Vale of Belvoir, Long Clawson offers gentle countryside walking with classic Leicestershire views and charming village scenery. A popular option is an 8.5‑mile circular route that begins in the village and leads over Slyborough Hill towards Nether Broughton, before returning through open fields and quiet lanes with lovely Wolds panoramas.

After your walk, the village’s much‑loved Clawson Kitchen makes a perfect nearby stop, offering friendly service, homemade cakes, hot drinks and comforting light meals in a cosy setting. It’s a welcoming place to unwind and enjoy a well‑earned treat

 

Discover The Melton Round (long distance trail)

A stunning 64‑mile circular walking route that captures the very best of Melton’s countryside, heritage and charming rural villages. Designed for walkers of all abilities, the trail is divided into accessible sections that can be enjoyed one at a time or completed as a full long‑distance adventure.

Highlights include:

• Beautiful, varied landscapes – rolling hills, open farmland, woodlands and panoramic viewpoints across Leicestershire and Rutland.
• Historic villages & landmarks – from ancient churches and heritage railway remnants to Iron Age sites and quintessential rural pubs.
• Well‑marked paths following established routes like the Leicestershire Round, Midshires Way and Jurassic Way.
• Rich cultural character – showcasing centuries of local history, architecture, and the area’s strong agricultural traditions.
• Wildlife & nature – peaceful footpaths alive with seasonal colour, birdsong and natural biodiversity.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a beautiful day out, The Melton Round offers a rewarding way to explore the landscapes that make Melton so special.

 

Interactive cycle maps and walking routes

Explore and enjoy Leicestershire and beyond with series of walking trails and cycling routes. Download one of the many maps to explore the local area, and beyond!

Choose How You Move website have interactive cycle maps and walking routes.

There is a large selection of maps and guides for you to download (all in PDF format), which are ideal for exploring Melton or discovering somewhere new!

Visit Choose How You Move website – Walking Maps

Visit Choose How You Move website – Cycling Maps

Follow National Cycle Network Route 64 which passes through the heart of Melton Mowbray.