National Forest Way: Stage 2 Bradgate Park to Thornton Reservoir

Leaving Bradgate Park, this section of the Way takes you out of the ancient Forest of Charnwood and towards one of the largest continuous tracts of woodland in The National Forest. The route takes you through Martinshaw Wood, where coniferous woodland is being replaced with native species, and on through a variety of young and mature woodlands.

Bradgate Park

Bradgate Park is an historic medieval deer park in the heart of the ancient Charnwood Forest. It retains much of its original wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. Herds of red and fallow deer still roam amongst the bracken.

Martinshaw Wood

Originally ancient woodland, Martinshaw Wood is cut in two by the M1 motorway. Home to 36 different tree species, the site was replanted with commercial conifers in the 1950s. The selective felling of many of the conifers to favour oak, beech, birch and other broadleaf species will restore some of the woodland’s original character.

Pear Tree Wood

Pear Tree Wood was created in 1997 to connect Ratby Boroughs and Martinshaw Wood. Although planted with essentially a mix of native broadleaf trees, conifer species in the northern section blend into those at Martinshaw Wood, to encourage the movement of pine-loving wildlife, particularly moths.

Thornton Reservoir

This attractive and tranquil expanse of water is a delightful spot to pause along the Way. If you chose to take the three mile surfaced path around the reservoir, don’t miss the sculpture trail hidden amongst the mature woodland.

• Car Parking
• Grassy Paths
• Picnic Area
• Viewpoint
• Refreshments

• The Park Kitchen & Deli