We started at the Newtown Linford car park, passing this - a wood carving under way. But what was it? I couldn't tell.
In through the gates with the Leicester crest on them. In my youth, there used to be a massive ladder stile here, but it's disappeared (too scary for the Health and Safety zealots, I'm sure).
Turning immediately left, the path climbs steeply so that the car park is soon out of sight.
Views through the blue bells over to distant hills and woodland.
When I visited here as a school child, we were told that these were the oldest rocks in the country. (The adult in me says, possibly igneous).
The views are extensive, but a bit hazy today.
There was more woodland than I remember
The war memorial on the summit
But more famous is this - Old John. You can see this distinctive tankard-shaped structure for miles.
Descending to Swithland Woods,...
...we followed this path
...which had views back into Bradgate Park
We reached the road and walked beside Cropston Reservoir, back in the Park now.
We caught sight of the deer grazing. There are about 400 apparently.
The ruins of Bradgate House, built around 1520 ...
...and the home of Lady Jane Grey, who aged 16 became the Nine Day Queen 10-19th July 1553.(Put there by her cousin Edward VI to prevent his half sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, accessing the throne. Jane was executed shortly afterwards)
The ruins are popular with visitors: this was once the jousting yard.
Suddenly, some deer were very close to me! (No zoom lens - this is where they were)
Cooling off in the river Lin
...which flows through the park
Some of the oak trees are very ancient
Bradgate Park was bought for the people of Leicestershire by local business man and founder of the British Shoe Machinery Company in 1928. He would have been very happy to see so many people enjoying his gift.
This was an excellent walk - extensive views, rocks to climb, woods, a reservoir and plenty of history. Plus all the deer. We walked nearer to Cropston reservoir than shown on the map link at the top of this page (and here). It made the walk about 4.25 miles. Well worth a detour to do this walk, and it's very suitable for young children because it's not too hard and there is lots to see.
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