We begin our adventure at Swithland Wood South Car Park (///slot.human.credit), where parking for the day is currently £3 — a bargain for the scenery you’re about to earn.

Head northeast through the woodland, enjoying the oaks, beeches and occasional squirrel judging your pace, and emerge onto Roecliffe Road via a metal gate. Cross the road and pick up the National Forest Way. You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when Old John Tower appears on the skyline like a slightly tipsy wedding cake. A diversion to the tower is optional, but if you’ve never climbed it, it’s well worth the extra puff.

(Fun fact: Old John was built in 1784 by the 5th Earl of Stamford. The “handle” shape of the tower is said to commemorate a local man who died in a windmill accident — though historians suspect this tale is more charming than accurate.)

The track climbs gradually until it reaches a gateway into Bradgate Park. Our route, however, turns right here, skirting the park boundary while continuing upwards over Hunt’s Hill, where the National Forest Way meets the Leicestershire Round. Turn right onto the Round to reach Hunt’s Hill Car Park — the apex of the first of our three peaks.

Exit the car park onto Sharply Hill, cross the road, and wander over to Benscliffe Road on the right. After a short distance, the Leicestershire Round slips through a gateway on the right and descends into Newtown Plantation.

Cross Joe Moore’s Lane and continue downhill into Spring Hill Wood, after which the route begins another gradual climb. It’s barely noticeable at first, and soon the track emerges onto Maplewell Road. Turn right and follow it to the outskirts of Woodhouse Eaves.

You’ll arrive at a large wooden gate and a smaller metal one beside a sign welcoming you to Broombriggs Farm. Head through the gate and tackle the steepest section of the walk. It’s short, sharp, and guaranteed to make you question your life choices — but just before the top there’s a bench with a cracking view over the village and countryside. Congratulations: that’s peak number two.

After a well‑earned breather, continue around Broombriggs Hill and descend to Beacon Road. Turn left and amble along until you reach the car park for Beacon Hill Country Park. Picnic tables await, making this an ideal lunch stop before the final climb.

The ascent to the trig point on Beacon Hill is steep and steady, though not as punishing as Broombriggs. Once you reach the top, cameras at the ready — the views stretch across Charnwood Forest, and on a clear day you can spot the hills of Derbyshire.

Now, as they say, it’s all downhill from here.

The descent along the National Forest Way begins steeply but soon eases off as you pass Windmill Hill. A quick diversion to the mill is possible if curiosity (or nostalgia) strikes. The track eventually peters out and becomes Mill Road, which leads onto Maplewell Road. Continue downhill — turning left — until you reach the Curzon Arms (///built.undertook.animated), our designated pub stop.

Once suitably refreshed (which may take some time), cross the road and head up Hill Rise. It’s only a small blip in the otherwise downward journey back to base. At the top, a footpath leads to Church Hill. Turn right and follow the road as it becomes Brand Hill, merging into Brand Lane, where a signpost directs you towards Bradgate Park and Swithland (¾ mile).

Bear right at the road triangle to join Swithland Road. Cross just before the bend and head towards Swithland Woods along the National Forest Way. Several tracks weave through the woods, but your leader will guide you along her preferred route back to the car park.

In Summary

An 8.8‑mile walk, three peaks, no stiles, and plenty of views. Slow and steady wins the day — and the scenery more than rewards the effort.