It is a well-known fact (between my boyfriend and I) that the Charnwood area of Leicestershire is one of the nicest in our county. The ancient forest has left a mark upon the landscape like no other. This walk took us through some of the less-trodden paths, up the back of Swithland Reservoir, past Mountsorrell and through Quorn and along the riverside. Bear in mind that it often rains in January but prepare as such and you’re guaranteed to have a lovely time.
We parked up in Swithland village and headed north. Over the railway (wave to the anoraks) and up the quiet road to the reservoir dam. We met a jolly fisherman who had caught a 2kg Roach (which I am reliably informed is a good weight) and stopped for sandwiches. From this end of the reservoir you get a great view of the steam train chuffing over the viaduct. This is a surviving section of the Great Central Railway, and the last place (in the world?) where you could see two steam trains passing each other. The trains run regularly on the weekends and on weekdays in the summer, so you have a good chance of spotting at least one during this walk.
Now for a bit of road and verge walking: loop round the reservoir and up Kinchley Lane turning left at the top (away from Mountsorrel) and along the road to Quorn. Unless you want to add ¼ of a mile onto your journey then avoid the dog-walking path next to the quarry as it is not a short-cut (as assumed by us) but a loop around a rocky hillside.
Quorn was a nice surprise: I’ve never been before but there are a few shops and a selection of pubs to take a breather at. Heading left again at the crossroads, go down Meeting Street about 400 yards and veer off left at the signed footpath, taking you next to the farm with the emus (?!) and down by the riverside. This place is magical (if you discount the mud) and a rare treat in our neck of the woods to find a pretty little river with clear running water. Sloshing through the mud and marshes that bank the river takes you back towards the railway, where if you’re lucky you’ll see another train and a spot of wildlife. Behind the big house and back to the railway bridge we crossed on the way and it’s just a hop over the fields back to the car.
Overall this is about 7.5 miles. I didn’t find it that easy but partly because of the mud, I think. Prepare for rain and wear some boots and you’ll be fine!
