Walking in Charnwood

by: Heather MacDermid
For anyone wanting to explore the fascinating area of Charnwood Forest this is the ideal guide. It contains a wealth of local knowledge and enthusiasm for the countryside and its past secrets. Charnwood is a unique ancient area which is not typical of the rest of Leicestershire. Just a few miles north west of Leicester, it is a hilly region of ancient pre-cambrian rocks which are some of the oldest in England. A volcano erupted here around High Sharpley, near Whitwick, 700 million years ago. The ash, lava, steam and rock were thrown out for many miles into what was then sea. This mud and debris were pressurised under water into rocks and then folded contorted and tipped. Millions of years later during the Ice Age some of these huge rocks were pushed along and today we see many perched precariously in odd places. Several of the walks follow geological trails where you can pick out the amazing variety of these complex ancient rocks. Today Charnwood Forest is an area noted for its varied scenery, ancient crags, mature woodland, rolling hills and reservoirs.
The guide describes 21 walks of from 3 to 6 miles in length, making then ideal for half day excursions. However, the book is arranged so that walks can be linked to provide longer full day walks if preferred. Detailed route descriptions and sketch maps are provided together with practical information including getting to the start, refreshment facilities, shops, car parking and public transport.
Locations visited include: Newtown Linford; Bradgate Park; Hallgates; Cropston; Hunts Hill; Swithland Woods; Anstey; Groby; Markfield; Ulverscroft Mill; Woodhouse Eaves; Beacon Hill; Ratby; Martinshaw; Thorton; Whittington; Loughborough; Copt Oak; Poultney Wood; Bardon Hill; Quorn; Whitwick; Thringstone; Swannington; Osgathorpe; Blackbrook Reservoir.
ISBN 9781871890181 pages 128 (1997) 135mm x 195mm