The best walks and hikes around Outwoods

Yes, the Outwoods is a popular destination for dog walkers. The area offers numerous paths suitable for walking with your dog. For a moderately challenging walk that you and your dog might enjoy, consider the The New Inn – Dog & Partridge loop from Rolleston on Dove, which passes through varied landscapes.

The Outwoods has a main car park that is open 24 hours, though a fee is required. Public toilets, including a disabled facility, are also available on-site, typically open from early morning until dusk. These facilities make it a convenient starting point for any hike.

Yes, the Outwoods offers several options for families. There is a surfaced, accessible path suitable for pushchairs and little legs, which includes a bird feeding station. For a slightly longer but still gentle walk, the Eggy-Peggy Lane – Jinny Nature Trail loop from Rolleston on Dove is an excellent choice, offering an easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) route with minimal elevation.

The Outwoods is famous for its spectacular bluebell displays. The best time to see them is typically in the spring, from late April to mid-May. The woodland floor becomes a carpet of blue, creating a truly magical hiking experience.

There are over 300 hiking routes to explore in and around the Outwoods. These range from short, easy access paths within the woodland to longer, more challenging treks that connect to the wider Charnwood Forest network.

The Outwoods is part of Charnwood Forest, which contains some of the oldest exposed Precambrian rocks in Britain, around 700 million years old. As you hike, you'll see dramatic rock outcrops that are a key feature of this ancient landscape. The area is also geologically significant for the discovery of the Charnia masoni fossil nearby, which changed scientific understanding of early life.

Yes, Olivia's Coffee and Bakery is located at the Outwoods visitor centre. It's a popular spot for hikers to grab a coffee, cake, or light lunch before or after their walk.

The hiking routes around the Outwoods are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the unique combination of ancient woodland, dramatic rock formations, and the well-maintained network of paths.

While the Outwoods is most easily accessed by car, it is possible to reach the area via public transport to nearby Loughborough. From there, you would need to take a local bus service towards Woodhouse Eaves or a taxi to the main entrance. It's best to check local bus timetables for the most current information.

Yes, circular walks are very common in the area. Many trails are designed as loops, starting and ending at the main car park. For a longer circular hike, the Old Railway Bridge Pillars – Stretton Gravel Loading Dock loop from Pirelli Stadium is a 9-mile (14.4 km) route that explores the surrounding countryside.

The terrain is varied. You'll find some surfaced, relatively flat paths that are accessible for many. However, many trails are more rugged with uneven ground, exposed tree roots, and rocky sections that can be slippery when wet. Some routes also include short, steep climbs, offering a moderate challenge.