This five-mile circular walk takes in some of Leicestershire’s finest hill country, with wide views, open fields, steep climbs and the Iron Age hill fort at Burrough Hill.
It starts in Thorpe Satchville and heads across rolling countryside to Burrough-on-the-Hill before climbing to Burrough Hill Country Park. The route is well marked, but there are several stiles, a few steep sections and fields that can be muddy after rain.
This was originally published in Great Food Magazine as a pub and restaurant walk. Those food and drink stops have since closed, so we now suggest treating it as a picnic walk. Pack something good, climb to the top of Burrough Hill, and enjoy one of the best views in Leicestershire.
At 210 metres, Burrough Hill is one of the highest points in the county. It is topped by an Iron Age hill fort, attributed to the Celtic Coritani tribe. The area also has more recent history: the Melton Hunt used to meet at Burrough, and Edward VIII is said to have first met Mrs Simpson here.
The walk
Distance: Around five miles
Start point: Thorpe Satchville, near Baker’s Lane
Terrain: Fields, stiles, bridges, country lanes and steep hills
Food stop: Bring a picnic for Burrough Hill
1. Park on the road in Thorpe Satchville near Baker’s Lane, opposite the children’s play area. Look for the public footpath sign and follow the arrow, walking across the play area towards the stile in the far corner.
2. Cross the stile and walk diagonally across the field towards the next yellow marker. Go over the next stile and continue straight on, following the hedgerow.
3. At the next marker, turn right, go over the stile and follow the arrow to the next marker. You can walk around the field edge or take the shorter route straight across.
4. Cross the wooden bridge and head uphill, following the yellow marker arrow. Walk diagonally across the undulating field with the wooded area on your right. Look out for the next wooden marker at the bottom of the hill. Beyond that, on the horizon, you can see another marker.
5. Cross the small wooden bridge and go straight on up the hill, keeping to the left of the field. At the top, by the marker seen on the horizon in Step 4, a fine view opens up. Burrough Hill is in front of you to the left, while Burrough-on-the-Hill village is straight ahead. Follow the arrow downhill across the field, bearing slightly left.
6. At the next marker, cross the bridge and go straight on. Walk along the edge of the field, staying close to the hedgerow. You’ll soon reach another marker.
7. Cross a small bridge and look to your right, where you’ll see another yellow marker. Follow this marker’s arrow, walking uphill with the hedge on your left. This is a fairly steep climb up to Burrough-on-the-Hill village.
8. At the top of the hill, walk towards the road. At the road, turn immediately right and walk uphill towards the village.
9. At the T-junction, turn left along Main Street. Soon you’ll see a former pub on the right. This was once Grant’s Freehouse and later The Stag & Hounds. It is currently closed, so do not rely on it for food or drink.
10. Walk past the former pub and follow Main Street as it bends left towards the church. Go through the church gate, following the footpath sign. Walk around the church and look for two markers. Ignore the one on the left and go through the metal gate.
11. Follow the path through a further five metal gates, making six in total. After going through the sixth gate, turn right and walk around the edge of the field towards the yellow marker on the right. There is also one on the left, which you should ignore. Follow the hedge.
12. Cross a bridge and carry on to the next marker. Go straight on to the following marker. When you reach it, do not follow the arrow. Instead, turn right around the edge of the field towards the marker at the base of Burrough Hill. This takes you towards the hill fort.
13. Go through the gate into Burrough Hill Country Park. Climb to the toposcope at the summit, which is visible from the bottom. There are several possible routes to the top. This is the best place to stop for your picnic.
14. Descend Burrough Hill and return to the marker and metal gate. Join the Leicestershire Round footpath, turning right to walk around the edge of the field to the next marker.
15. At this marker, go straight on, following the Leicestershire Round.
16. Cross the road and go straight on. At the next marker, carry on uphill, bearing slightly left towards the next marker. Continue your ascent, keeping the hedgerow on your right.
17. At the top, you reach a three-way fork. Take the left fork, following the sign to Thorpe Satchville. This track takes you back to Baker’s Lane, where the walk began.
Picnic notes
There are no reliable pub or café stops on this route, so bring food and drink with you. Burrough Hill is the obvious picnic spot, with big views across the Leicestershire countryside. As always, take your litter home and leave the hill as you found it.
Wear sturdy footwear, especially after rain. The route crosses fields and includes several stiles, small bridges and steep climbs.
Notes: We’ve done this walk and believe that the instructions are clear and accurate. It’s steep in places and likely to be muddy. Take a map – OS Explorer 246 – and allow enough time.
