4.6
(298)
2,740
hikers
116
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Pickworth Great Wood traverse one of the largest remaining blocks of deciduous woodland in Leicestershire and Rutland. The region is characterized by an undulating hilltop site, predominantly on rich, heavy clay soils, supporting diverse flora and fauna. This 111.2-hectare (275-acre) area is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), highlighting its ecological importance. The surrounding rural landscape of Rutland also features gentle hills and quiet country lanes, providing varied walking experiences.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
1
hikers
6.43km
01:41
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
3.92km
01:01
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.0
(1)
8
hikers
7.44km
01:57
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
47
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.02km
01:03
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Fort Henry is a gothic folly, sitting beside a large lake often adorned with water lilies in the heart of Exton Park. Built in 1788 for Henry, Earl of Gainsborough, Fort Henry is located on private grounds, as are the shores of the larger, Northern lake. The public footpath circumnavigates the smaller lake to the South.
1
0
Perfect picnic spot - FYI, The north shore is private property.
0
0
Great little track for a mountain bike or gravel bike, very muddy in the winter but still passable. Can get a bit busy with dog walkers especially in the spring and summer.
1
0
Great selection of beers. Safe to leave bikes round the back.
0
0
There are over 50 easy hiking trails around Pickworth Great Wood, offering a variety of routes through the extensive deciduous woodland and surrounding countryside. In total, the area features over 120 hiking routes for different skill levels.
The easy trails in Pickworth Great Wood traverse an undulating hilltop site, primarily on rich, heavy clay soils. You'll find well-maintained footpaths and bridleways through varied deciduous woodland and agricultural land, offering a generally gentle walking experience.
Yes, many of the easy trails are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Holywell Castle Dyke loop from Pickworth is an easy 7.1 km circular route, and the Little Bytham Viaduct loop from Little Bytham also offers a pleasant circular walk.
Absolutely. The easy trails around Pickworth Great Wood are generally well-maintained and feature gentle elevation changes, making them suitable for families. The diverse woodland environment also provides plenty of natural interest for younger explorers.
Yes, Pickworth Great Wood is a dog-friendly area. Most trails are suitable for dogs, but please keep them under control, especially when passing through agricultural land or near wildlife, and always clean up after them.
Pickworth Great Wood is a haven for wildlife. You might spot a diverse breeding bird community, including tawny owls, nightingales, woodcocks, and woodpeckers. The wood also supports over 150 species of moth and a rich ground flora.
Hikers can discover ancient earthworks within the wood, hinting at its long history. Nearby, the village of Pickworth features an isolated medieval arch, and the Church of All Saints, built in 1822, is a notable landmark. While not directly accessible, the geological significance of Clipsham Old Quarry is also part of the area's natural heritage.
Spring is particularly beautiful, with primroses lining the woodland paths and a rich ground flora emerging. Autumn offers stunning deciduous foliage. The well-maintained paths make it enjoyable year-round, though conditions can be muddy after rain due to the clay soils.
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points around Pickworth Great Wood and in nearby villages, providing convenient starting points for your hikes.
The easy trails in Pickworth Great Wood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 270 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the woodland, the varied scenery, and the well-maintained paths suitable for all abilities.
Yes, if you're looking for a shorter, easy walk, consider routes like the Morkery Wood loop from North Witham, which is approximately 3.9 km and offers a pleasant, quick exploration of the woodland.
While Pickworth Great Wood itself is a natural area, you can find cafes and pubs in the surrounding villages, such as Clipsham and Castle Bytham, which are often incorporated into longer circular routes or are a short drive away.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.