Section 2 of 12, National Forest Way
Newtown Linford to Thornton
7.9 miles (12.8 km). About 3 hours, moderate.
Start: SK 531 108. Finish: SK 462 081. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Up and down
About 206 m of climbing and 185 m of descent; highest point 149 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Newtown Linford.
- Car park
- Car park, 930 m from the start. Directions SK 539 103
No bus stop or station within a kilometre of the start. Nearest: the bus stop at Cork Hall Farm, 1.2 km away (Directions); Rothley station (heritage railway), 4 km away (Directions).
Getting back
The section finishes at Thornton. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Bagworth Lane, 60 m from the finish. Directions SK 461 081Mill Lane, 130 m from the finish. Directions SK 463 080Mill Lane, 190 m from the finish. Directions SK 463 079
Planning the National Forest Way
- Planning the whole trail: nationalforest.org.
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 26%, gravel and tracks 25%, earth, rock and mud 22%, grass 12%; the rest (16%) isn't recorded.
About 21% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 stile, 6 kissing gates, 8 gates.
Steepest climb: about 32 m in a kilometre (1 in 31), starting 4.5 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- The Bradgate, Newtown Linford: 1.3 miles in, about 400 m off the way.Bricklayers Arms, Thornton: 7.4 miles in, about 200 m off the way. Seats outside.
- Cafés
- Bradgate Coffee Company, Newtown Linford: 1.2 miles in. Seats outside.Jade Tearooms, Newtown Linford: 1.2 miles in.Park Kitchen & Deli, Newtown Linford: 1.3 miles in. Seats outside.Bean + Boat, Thornton: 7.3 miles in.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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