FFW: Bradgate Park - hilly 7.5-mile hike. (Includes pub stop for a quick drink)

Whether you're new to Friendly Faces or you're a seasoned regular, click the Attend button now and take full advantage of this tried and tested hike which will get you (1) out of the house, (2) exercising, and (3) meeting friendly, like-minded people with ease.

What are the details for this hike?
This is our third Friendly Faces outing to Bradgate Park - a super countryside hike, and the first visit was very much enjoyed by all who attended. However, before I say anything more about this route - be warned that this is not a flat route!. If you do not like hills, then this event is not for you.
Near the middle of the route, there is a long slow incline lasting about half a mile (that's it in the picture) heading up towards Old John Tower which sits on the top.
This hill is particularly challenging and will leave you huffing and puffing by the time you reach the top and very keen for a sit down. (the top is where we will sit down and stop for snacks)
This hill is sure to take a lot out of anyone who is not a fit and able regular walker, so please consider this before clicking the attend button, because running out of steam and giving up half way is not an option.
As a point of reference - if you have conquered the Malvern Hills recently without issue (specifically the initial incline starting at the 99 steps) then you should be ok with this one as well.
If anyone would like more detail on the specifics of the difficulty level of this hike, please drop me a message and I'll be happy to discuss.

So thats the big warning out of the way, now where was I... ah yes.. back to the details....

If you're still reading, you can be sure of a stunning day out exploring the finest countryside that this country has to offer. Amazing scenery, picturesque views, fresh air in your lungs... nature at its finest.
An incredible outdoorsy place to visit and no mistake.
So parking up in the Groby Pool car park and setting off at bang on the advertised time, we'll walk out towards the other-worldly Bradgate Park, which is full of wild animals including an enclosed deer park, swans, and ducks, and complete a big loop along the well-trodden paths taking us all the way round the edge.
Note: The deer park is separated from the public by a wide running stream, if our luck is in on the day, the animals will come right up to the edge on their side to observe the humans, meaning you can add some stunning photos of them to your collection.

A mile or so before the end, we will call in at a nice countryside pub just outside the park to grab a drink and a quick sit down, and then finish off the last bit before arriving back at the carpark and calling it a day.
For our first visit a few people dropped in at another nearby pub to grab a Sunday roast before home, but this is purely optional.

Need a lift?...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Do that now, because leaving that question until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.

Other things to note...
- Unfortunately dogs are not allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event due to there being lots of wild animals and livestock all along the route.
- At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a like-minded group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.
- Compared to other hiking routes in the huge Friendly Faces library of routes, the terrain for this one is among the most challenging, and can be quite muddy in places. Trainers will simply not suffice for this route.
I do my best to warn people and to save them from wrecking/soaking inappropriate footwear. and despite insisting in the event description of every Friendly Faces walk that each attendee brings ankle-protecting walking boots, there are always a few who either ignore it or don't read it and arrive in trainers. Don't let that be you!
We'll hopefully see you returning for many more of the Friendly Faces hikes scheduled for the year ahead, so if you don't own proper walking boots then buying a pair will be a great investment. If you do not currently own any - a quick trip to your local Mountain Warehouse or Trespass store will quickly remedy that.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you don't forget.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS
1. 'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you're (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55 qualifying you to join, read the details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
2. Do not be late for the advertised start-time of this event. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we will leave without you. In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks on the day.
3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this distance in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks first thing in the morning on the day.
4. Dogs are NOT allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event.
This is due to close proximity with farm animals and public pathways taking us through farmers land.
5. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting waterproof footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance. The many Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent selection, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers may not protect you from a nasty injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be removed from the group.