Croft, Leicestershire

Croft Quarry Circular

route · Countryside walk

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Open

Feel

HillsFarmlandWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.8

A three-mile circuit where Croft Hill rises above the surrounding lowland and the walk skirts an active quarry. The route combines countryside views with the visible presence of a working industrial landscape.

Croft Quarry Circular earns its place for the contrast between the open views from Croft Hill and the quarry landscape around it. It is a worthwhile local walk, but access can be affected by quarry operations and some sections are rough.

Open · Quiet

Find your way

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Croft, Leicestershire

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The experience

Walk the circular route and, if conditions and access allow, take the optional climb to Croft Hill. Expect rougher ground, possible road crossings and changing access around the active quarry.

Things to do

Walk the Croft Quarry Circular

Follow the three-mile loop around the quarry. The route has an optional climb to Croft Hill and includes rough sections and road crossings.

1–1.5 hours

Climb Croft Hill

Take the optional summit climb on the circular route. The local birding guide describes Croft Hill as 128 metres high and notes its position in otherwise flat Leicestershire.

Look and listen for woodland birds

The local birding guide identifies Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches as breeding in the small woodland on Croft Hill.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 1–1.5 hours for the Croft Quarry Circular; a shorter out-and-back is not established by the supplied sources.

Quick Escape: Croft Hill and back

01
Start from a suitable access point near Croft Hill, checking parking and current access before setting out.
02
Follow the circular route and take the optional climb to the summit if conditions allow.
03
Allow for rough sections and road crossings; do not enter restricted quarry areas.

Half day · Around 1–1.5 hours walking, with extra time for stops.

Make a Half Day of It: the full Croft circuit

01
Use the Croft Circular Walk route from The Red Lion car park if current parking and access arrangements permit.
02
Walk up Croft Hill, continue through Croft and return by the nature walk as described by the parish council.
03
Pause to take in the hill and look for birds in the woodland and hedgerows; check current quarry-related restrictions before departure.

Verified history

The supplied sources establish that the circular route goes around an active private quarry and that Croft Hill and Quarry are part of the local landscape. They do not verify the source row’s broader account of the quarry’s economic history or identify specific visible industrial remains, so those details are not included as established history.

Hidden details

Listen for Nuthatches and woodpeckers — The local birding guide says Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches breed in the small woodland on Croft Hill and are usually easy to locate.

Notice the mix of habitats — The local birding guide records broad-leaved woodland, hedgerows, scrub, acidic grassland, ponds, the River Soar and Thurlaston Brook around the site.

When to go

March · April · May · September · October · Choose a clear part of the day for the hill views; no more specific time is established by the sources.

The source row recommends spring and early autumn for milder conditions. The route source warns that rough sections can be more challenging in wet weather.

Wear sturdy footwear, particularly after rain. Check the route before travelling because quarry operations may affect access or lead to closures.

The route

ascent: 232 ft
surface: Rough sections; road sections and crossings. Sturdy footwear is advised, particularly in wet conditions.
distance: 3 miles
duration: 1–1.5 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Loop
start point: The Red Lion car park for the parish council’s Croft Circular Walk; confirm current parking arrangements before setting out.
parking start: The parish council describes The Red Lion car park as the route start. Parking is limited in the area; the local birding guide lists nearby suitable parking locations and advises using nearby villages if these are full.

Croft Hill, with an optional summit climb
Views over the surrounding countryside
A route around an active quarry; restricted quarry areas must not be entered

Worth pairing with

Croft Circular Walk

A parish-council route starting and ending at The Red Lion car park, climbing Croft Hill, passing through Croft and returning via the nature walk. Check current parking arrangements before using the stated start.

What to look for

01
Look for the change in landscape as the route approaches Croft Hill and the quarry. The local birding guide records broad-leaved woodland, hedgerows, scrub, acidic grassland, ponds and nearby watercourses
02
it also notes Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches in the hill’s small woodland.

The story

Industrial heritage

Best time to go

Spring or early autumn for milder walking conditions; check route access before visiting in any season.

Spring or early autumn are suggested in the supplied source row. Choose a clear day for the hill views, and check route conditions and quarry access beforehand.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Route at a glance

Duration

1–2 hours

Terrain

Hills, Farmland

Parking / start

Parking is limited. The local birding guide lists suitable parking areas near the hill and suggests using nearby villages if they are full. The parish council route starts at The Red Lion car park; check current parking arrangements before relying on it.

Practical information

Opening & access

A circular walking route around Croft Quarry with an optional climb to Croft Hill. The route circles an active private quarry, so check current access and safety information before setting out; do not enter restricted quarry areas.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current route guidance and signage before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Not suitable for all users: the route includes rougher sections, inclines and road crossings. Sturdy footwear is advised, especially when wet.