Charnwood Forest Outwoods Circular
Leicestershire
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Car park, Information board
- Parking
- Free car park at The Outwoods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charnwood Forest Outwoods Circular dog friendly?
Yes, The Outwoods rates 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness on Wildpack Collective. It's a well-suited spot for dogs of all ages and fitness levels, with soft woodland paths underfoot and a calm, enclosed atmosphere that makes it a reliable choice for regular outings. The gently undulating terrain and absence of livestock add to its appeal.
Can dogs be off lead at Charnwood Forest Outwoods Circular?
Off-lead potential here is moderate. The quiet, enclosed paths and lack of livestock make it a reasonably comfortable environment for dogs with good recall, and the woodland feels genuinely secluded despite being on the edge of Loughborough. As always, use your judgement based on your dog's behaviour and anyone else you meet on the paths.
What should I know before visiting Charnwood Forest Outwoods Circular with my dog?
This is a 4 km circuit with around 75 m of climbing, so it's an easy, undemanding walk that suits puppies and older dogs just as well as fitter ones. The soft leaf litter and earth paths are gentle on paws and joints throughout the year. There's a free car park on site, along with an information board, so it's straightforward to visit without much planning.
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