Charnwood Forest Outwoods Circular

The Outwoods is a pocket of ancient mixed woodland on the edge of Loughborough in Charnwood Forest, where oak, birch and beech grow over a gently undulating landscape of 75 m of climbing spread across this 4 km circuit. The paths wind through quiet, well-established woodland that feels surprisingly secluded given its proximity to town, with the canopy filtering light and creating a calm, enclosed atmosphere throughout. The terrain is soft and forgiving, with leaf litter and earth underfoot, and the routes are clearly marked and easy to follow. This is not a walk that demands much, but its restful quality is precisely the point.

This is a dog friendly walk that works well for regular, low-key outings. The woodland floor carries good scent year-round, from damp leaf mulch in winter to dry, warm earth in summer, and the varied tree species provide different scent profiles as you move through the wood. Off-lead potential is moderate, with the quiet, enclosed paths and absence of livestock making this a comfortable environment for dogs with reasonable recall. The gentle terrain suits dogs of all ages and fitness levels, from puppies exploring woodland for the first time to older dogs who prefer soft ground and shelter. A restorative walk rather than a challenging one, and none the worse for it.