Blaby District Heritage Free Walking Trails
Discover the history of Leicestershire’s Blaby District with FREE 12 heritage walks. Explore every inch of Blaby with these walking routes. Choose to walk them individually or combine all 12 walking routes to create a full walk around Blaby District.
Walk 1 - The Roman History of Blaby District
The first of the twelve walks takes you through Fosse Meadows, High Cross, Wigston Parva and Sharnford and is perfect for those who love Roman history and countryside views. Highlights include the High Cross Monument, a marker point at the crossroads of the two biggest Roman Roads in the country.
Walk 2 - Public Baths and Quarries
This is one of the longer heritage walks around Blaby District. This circular walk will take you through lovely Leicestershire villages such as Aston Flamville, Elmesthorpe, Stoney Stanton, Sapcote and Sharnford. Ideal for those who enjoy history dating back to Norman times, all the way up to present day. Pubs en-route.
Walk 3 - Nature and Industry
Connect with nature on this walk around Blaby. Passing through the beautiful villages of Stone Stanton and Croft, you’ll discover the industrial heritage of this picturesque countryside. There are plenty of places to stop for a drink and bite to eat en-route and you’ll see the UK’s National Diving Centre at Stoney Cove too.
Walk 4 - Norman History
Take an Anglo-Saxon and Norman history tour around Thurlaston, Croft Hill, Potters Marston and Normanton Turville. This is a long countryside walk, with excellent views, which incorporates Croft Hill, one of the highest points in Leicestershire. Norman and Anglo-Saxon history lovers, this route is for you.
Walk 5 - Leicester’s Lost Forest
Covering the whole western edge of Blaby District, walk 5 takes you along an area that was once covered in vast forests. Visit the fascinating village of Kirby Muxloe and relax into the open country views along this walking route.
Walk 6 - Glenfield and Kirby Muxloe
The historic towns of Kirby Muxlow and Glenfield are the highlights of this walking route. Learn about the castles and Victorian engineering marvels that make up over 600 years of history on this urban-focused walk.
Walk 7 - Blaby District in the 20th Century
See how the 20th Century, urbanisation and modern engineering has shaped Blaby District on this urban walk. As you pass through Thorpe Astley, Braunstone Town and Lubbesthorpe, you’ll discover more about out-of-town shipping and the suburbanisation of Leicestershire. This is an ideal walking route for those who prefer walking near shops and local amenities.
Walk 8 - Enderby, Narborough and Lubbesthorpe
Countryside walking and shopping at its best. Walk 8 takes you through the quaint villages of Narborough and Enderby, whilst also passing by the popular Fosse Park Shopping Centre and Everards Meadows. Picturesque countryside walking and lots of amenities available.
Walk 9 - The Village Trail
Explore some of the most beautiful villages in Leicestershire on Walk 9 of the Blaby District Heritage Trails. Learn about what makes each village unique and enjoy a walk to one of the highest points in Leicestershire - Croft Hill.
Walk 10 - Blaby and the District
A fantastic walk around some of Blaby’s most beautiful villages, complete with idyllic countryside and close to amenities too. Learn about the varies history of Blaby and Whetstone whilst on your journey.
Walk 11 - Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The eleventh walk in this set of heritage trails is perfect for beginners, or those short on time. Close to public transport and amenities, this walk passes some of Blaby’s top tourist hotspots, such as Everards Meadows and Fosse Park. Discover more about the development of the Great Central Railway and the exploits of Frank Whittle whilst you’re at it.
Walk 12 - Three Villages, Three Different Stories
The final walking route in the Blaby District Heritage Trails collection is a fascinating, yet calming route. Enjoy the uninterrupted views across the Leicestershire countryside, whilst making your way along the canal. While you walk, learn about the history of the three eastern edge villages of the district - Countesthorpe, Foston and Kilby.