Exton Park and Fort Henry Circular Walk
Rutland
Exton is a quiet Rutland village built around a long village green, and this circular walk leads north east from the green onto the Viking Way and into the historic parkland of Exton Park, the ancestral estate of the Noel family, Earls of Gainsborough, on bridleways open enough for a dog to go off the lead away from the grazing fields. The path crosses Tunneley Wood before joining a bridleway that runs south east to Fort Henry, a gothic fishing folly built in 1788 that overlooks two ornamental lakes formed by the North Brook. From here an alternative bridleway leads back to the village. The route covers about 6.5km on mostly flat bridle paths and tracks, with gentle rises through the parkland and open views across the surrounding farmland.
This is a dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential on the quieter bridleways through Tunneley Wood and the parkland, though dogs should go on the lead across the farmland sections, where cattle grids and grazing fields form part of the wider route around Exton. There is no reliable water for a drink beyond Fort Henry's lakes, which are ornamental rather than a place for dogs to swim. The parkland is flat and well waymarked, with mature trees offering shade in places. Parking is available on Exton's village green, and the dog friendly Fox and Hounds pub sits right at the start of the walk for refreshments afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Fox and Hounds pub on Exton village green (dog friendly); no toilets on route.
- Parking
- Roadside parking on Exton village green, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Exton Park and Fort Henry Circular Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Honies Farm Barns - The Barley Store
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £581 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in RutlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Exton Park and Fort Henry Circular Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a dog friendly walk rated 7 out of 10, taking you through the historic parkland of Exton Park and along bridleways to the gothic folly of Fort Henry. The Fox and Hounds pub on Exton village green is also dog friendly, making it a great spot to round off the walk with your dog by your side.
Can dogs be off lead at Exton Park and Fort Henry Circular Walk?
There's moderate off-lead potential on the quieter bridleways through Tunneley Wood and the parkland, where the open paths give dogs a good amount of freedom. Dogs should be kept on the lead across the farmland sections, where cattle grids and grazing fields form part of the route.
What should I know before visiting Exton Park and Fort Henry Circular Walk with my dog?
The route is around 6.5km on mostly flat bridleways and tracks, so it's a manageable outing for most dogs. It's worth noting that there's no reliable water source along the way — the ornamental lakes at Fort Henry aren't suitable for dogs to swim in or drink from — so bring enough water with you. Parking is free on Exton village green, and the dog friendly Fox and Hounds pub is right there at the start if you want to finish with a well-earned drink.
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