Ramble with a Ranger

Join a Bradgate Park Ranger for an extended summer afternoon leisurely 6-hour walk that will cover the Park literally from top to bottom and its history from the underlying geology through 15,000 years of  human  occupation  from the Palaeolithic to the present day via the development of the medieval deer park, the building of the house, the Civil War, the Victorian sporting estate and on to the building of Cropston Reservoir and the transition from a private estate to a public park.

Itinerary:

12pm: Meet Guide at Hallgates (Cropston) car park for meet and greet introductory talk

Set off from car park and enter the nearby Coppice Plantation to look at the work being carried out to re-plant pine with deciduous trees of oak and hazel. Look at the veteran oaks growing in that area and learn more about the wonderful oaks on the Park.

Walk to a higher part of the Park to overlook the Cropston Reservoir.  Continue up to Old John Tower and take in the wonderful views of the Park and surrounding landscape. 

Enter Old John Tower where the Guide will talk about several points of interest relating to the Tower and area surrounding it.

Leave Old John Tower and make way through the Spinney to the War Memorial.

Descend along pathway from the War Memorial towards Tyburn Spinney for details about why it was so named.  Continue to descend towards Newtown Linford via the central wall with information about the flora and fauna.

Stop off at the Cafe for a break & a drink (drinks & food not included in price). Continue to walk along Little Matlock talking about rock formation and various interesting features. Head across the bridge opposite the Ruins to the edge of the Deer Sanctuary and learn about the Parks ancient herd of fallow and red deer.  Stop off at the Ruins of Bradgate House to hear about the history of building the house and its layout.

Leave the Ruins and head along the carriageway to look at the water meadow and explain its usage.

Take the opportunity to pay a visit to the nearby Visitor Centre before stopping for a comfort break and a drink in the Cafe (not included in price).

Walk back along the carriageway and hear about the Memorial Wood.

Return to Hallgates car park (Cropston) at approximately 6.00-6.30pm.

NOTE:

• Due to the nature of the walk, you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness. 
• Not recommended for children under 14. 
• Dogs on lead are welcome to join this walk
• Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
• You will need to bring your own snacks, packed lunch and drink.
• Car parking charges apply at our Hallgates car park [LE7 7HQ] coins or card accepted

Please be aware, we have volunteer photographers who record events on behalf of the Park, the images may be used for Park Archives and for future marketing purposes for example via our website and social media.

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