🐾 Donisthorpe Woodland Park at a Glance
🦮 Lead Rules: Mostly off-lead; keep dogs close around wildlife and sensitive habitats.
🚶 Walk Length: A mix of short loops and longer woodland circuits or canal towpaths (around 1–3 miles).
🌿 Terrain: Woodland trails, grassland paths, riverbank stretches, gentle inclines.
🐑 Livestock: None, although this is a natural woodland and park.
🏰 History & Landscape Notes: Former colliery land, now beautifully re-planted as part of the National Forest.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets available; picnic areas; refreshments; information centre
🅿️ Parking: Free car park with easy access to the main trail network.
☕ Dog-Friendly Nearby: Several cafes and pubs in the wider Moira, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and Donisthorpe area.
About
Donisthorpe Woodland Park is situated near Moira, on the Leicestershire-Derbyshire border. The park is located in the former 36-hectare Donisthorpe colliery site in the National Forest, which encompasses 20 hectares of mixed woodland. It’s a sizable green space with 3km (1.85 miles) of stone-surfaced paths. Perfect if you’re after a stroll that’s easy on the legs but still makes the dog feel like they’ve had a proper walk.
You’ll complete a decent loop in about an hour, but you can extend it on one of the many paths that crisscross the site. You can also extend any walk by taking the Ashby Canal towpath, which runs alongside the edge of the park and provides a link to the Moira Furnace Museum.
Although much of the site is newly planted with pine, larch, oak, ash, and cherry, you can also find some mature trees along the banks of Hooborough Brook and the Ashby Canal.
Dog Access and Rules
Dogs are allowed throughout the park, although they are asked to keep their leads near the car park and picnic areas. Most people let theirs off once they’re in the woods, but keep your dog in sight, as there are a few blind corners and the occasional cyclist who seems to appear out of nowhere.
Access and Facilities
There is a car park located just off Church Street in Donisthorpe, where you will also find Donisthorpe Woodland Centre, which offers refreshments.
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