Staunton Harold and Daniel Hayes Farm

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 9.81 miles

A Scenic Circular Walk from Staunton Harold to Smisby

This delightful circular walk begins in the charming car park at Staunton Harold, right next to the historic Ferrers Centre. To start your journey, head across the entrance road and plunge into the tranquil woodland tracks. These paths offer a peaceful escape into nature, though it is worth noting that they can become quite muddy during wet weather, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended.

As you navigate the lush landscape of the National Forest, the route leads you into the quaint village of Smisby. This is a perfect spot for a mid-walk break, as the local pub provides a welcoming atmosphere for a quick refreshment. From the village, the path ascends through the churchyard and stretches out across the open fields beyond. This section follows the well-marked National Forest Way, offering expansive views of the rolling Leicestershire countryside.

Your next landmark is Daniel Hayes, where the trail skirts around the hillside. The path then transitions back onto a mix of established tracks and footpaths that guide you steadily back toward your starting point. This route showcases the very best of the region's green and leafy scenery, utilizing a variety of public footpaths that range from well-maintained stony tracks to traditional grassy crossings through open farmland.

To ensure this beautiful environment remains pristine for future visitors, please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles by staying on the marked paths and taking all litter home with you. Upon your return to the Ferrers Centre, you can reward your efforts with a visit to the onsite craft studios or relax in the cozy cafe, which serves an excellent range of food and drink to cap off your afternoon.

Before you set off, it is important to note that this specific route features numerous stiles to cross as you move between the various fields and woodland boundaries. These traditional crossings are a staple of the Leicestershire landscape, but they may require a bit of extra effort and agility to navigate. If you are walking with a dog, ensure they are comfortable with climbing or being lifted over these obstacles, as many of the stiles do not have adjacent gates or dog-friendly gaps.

Further Information

Discovering the Heritage of the National Forest

For those looking to dive deeper into the local history and landmarks of this route, the triangle between Staunton Harold, Lount, and Smisby offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s evolution from an industrial hub to a lush natural escape.

The Ferrers Centre and Staunton Harold Estate

The heart of the walk is the Ferrers Centre, housed in a magnificent Georgian stable block built between 1760 and 1780 for the fifth Earl Ferrers. Originally designed to accommodate forty horses, it once contained a blacksmith’s shop and granaries. Today, it has been transformed into a premier "making centre," where you can watch independent artisans at work on everything from bespoke ceramics to intricate jewellery. The surrounding 2,000-acre estate also features a rare Commonwealth-era church, built in 1653 in defiance of Oliver Cromwell.

The Industrial Legacy of Lount

Just a short distance away lies the small village of Lount. While it appears tranquil today, Lount was historically a bustling center for coal mining and ironworking. Nearby, you will find the New Lount Nature Reserve, a site that was once a thriving colliery. It has since been reclaimed by nature, offering a diverse habitat of wetlands and grasslands that serve as a testament to the National Forest’s success in environmental restoration.

Smisby and the History of Daniel Hayes

The village of Smisby serves as a charming waypoint, famous locally for its 14th-century church and its ancient "lock-up," where petty criminals were once detained. As you leave the village, the route takes you toward Daniel Hayes. This area is a blend of old and new; while Daniel Hayes Wood is a younger plantation within the National Forest, Daniel Hayes Farm is steeped in antiquity. The farm itself dates back as far as 1200, with the current Grade II listed farmhouse featuring elements from the 1500s.

Note for Walkers: Daniel Hayes Farm remains an active agricultural business. When following the public footpaths through the farm and around the hillside, please keep to the marked National Forest Way and be mindful of farm machinery or livestock that may be present.