Stanford Hall Estate and River Avon Walk

Stanford Hall is a William and Mary mansion set in parkland on the River Avon at the southern edge of Leicestershire, close to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire borders. This 6.4km circuit follows the river through water meadows before looping back through the estate's open parkland, with mature specimen trees and views across the gentle Avon valley. The hall itself is privately owned but the surrounding paths are accessible, and the landscape has a calm, well-tended English country estate character. The River Avon here is slow and winding, quite different from its upper reaches in the Warwickshire hills. With just 75 metres of climbing, the terrain is flat and easy throughout.

Off-lead potential on this dog friendly walk is limited as the route crosses fields where livestock grazes, so leads should be kept on through the pastoral sections. The River Avon provides water access for paddling and drinking at several points, with gentle banks that suit dogs of all sizes. The parkland trees carry good scent and the open grassland gives clear sightlines. The paths can be soft after rain, particularly through the water meadows. Parking is available near the estate. The nearby village of Swinford has the Chequers pub which welcomes dogs. A gentle, undemanding walk that suits relaxed outings and dogs of all ages.