Hicks Lodge Dilworth Woodlands Trail
Leicestershire
Hicks Lodge sits in the heart of the National Forest near Moira, on a former coal mining site that Forestry England has transformed with new planting, lakes, trails and a dog friendly café that even serves homemade dog ice cream. It is best known as the National Forest Cycle Centre, but the Dilworth Woodlands Trail gives walkers their own route into the young woodland around the lodge. The trail is two loops: the short loop of 2km heads out from the visitor centre, and the Zig-Zags drop down onto the long loop of 2.5km, making 4.5km in all, with picnic stops and views back over the lakes and the growing forest along the way. A lakeside bird hide looks out for migrating sand martins. The route is largely flat on a wide gravel surface, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and it is shared with cyclists.
This is a dog friendly walk: Forestry England allows dogs across Hicks Lodge, and the Grounds Cafe by the lake is dog friendly, serving homemade dog ice cream and sausage treats. There is no livestock on the trail, and a dog with good recall can have some time off lead in the woodland, but bikes use the same paths, so keep your dog close and call it in when riders appear. The young trees give limited shade, and the lakes are for wildlife, so carry water. Parking is cashless pay by length of stay, free for members, with toilets at the visitor centre.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Lake, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Dog friendly Grounds Cafe (dog treats), toilets, cycle hire, play area and lakeside bird hide at the visitor centre.
- Parking
- Hicks Lodge car park, Forestry England, cashless pay by length of stay (ANPR), free for Forestry England members.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Hicks Lodge Dilworth Woodlands Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Forget Me Not Cottage - Ashbourne
Sleeps 5 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £543 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hicks Lodge Dilworth Woodlands Trail dog friendly?
Yes, Hicks Lodge is a welcoming spot for dogs. Forestry England allows dogs throughout the site, and the Grounds Cafe by the lake is dog friendly too — they even serve homemade dog ice cream and sausage treats, so your dog has something to look forward to at the end of the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Hicks Lodge Dilworth Woodlands Trail?
Dogs with good recall can enjoy some off-lead time in the woodland, as there is no livestock on the trail. That said, the paths are shared with cyclists, so keep a close eye on your dog and call them in whenever riders are approaching.
What should I know before visiting Hicks Lodge Dilworth Woodlands Trail with my dog?
The trail is a largely flat gravel route of up to 4.5km, so it's an easy outing for most dogs. The young woodland offers limited shade, and the lakes are reserved for wildlife, so it's worth bringing your own water for your dog. Parking is cashless and charged by length of stay, though it's free for Forestry England members.
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Hicks Lodge car park, Willesley Woodside, Moira Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2UP
52.7365, -1.5141
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