Harborough Guided Walks

04/11/2024

‘The Traditions of Christmas’ Guided Walk
What did the Victorians do for Christmas?
You are cordially invited to join this Victorian gentleman on a guided Christmas walk around Harborough. Your knowledgeable guide will explain how the traditional elements of Christmas, such as the Christmas crib, Santa, Christmas cards, carols and crackers, have evolved to become an essential part of our seasonal festivities. This entertaining promenade will conclude at the illustrious establishment of Mr. Duncan Murray Esq. (Duncan Murray Wines) where, for your delectation, mince pies, and a seasonal alcoholic beverage will be provided. Date: Wednesday 4th December 6.30pm. Price £13.00 per person including refreshments. Prior booking essential at www.harboroughwalks.org

18/10/2024

Hello,
Unfortunately, due to a Covid infection we are unable to present the guided walk this Saturday October 19th titled 'Harborough's Role in the Battle of Naseby'
If you have booked a place onto this walk, please accept our apologies. If this cannot be rescheduled for anther date this year, we will certainly be presenting this walk in next year's guided walk programme. www.harboroughwalks.org
James & George

Harborough walks gives information on what guided walks are available in Market Harborough, Lutterworth and the surrounding villages. Check out the list of available guided walks and book the walks through the website.

09/10/2024

Join me, if you dare, for my ‘Haunted Harborough’ ghost walk. During this walk I will be guiding you around the town centre telling tales of ghostly phenomenon, poltergeist and disembodied spirits. You will hear about the haunted typewriter, the ghostly cavalier, the theatre ghost and the most haunted house in town, plus many other tales.
But hurry, the October 30th ghost walk is sold out and the walk on October 29th is filling up. For more information and to book tickets go to https://www.harboroughwalks.org/2023-public-walks

24/09/2024

Well, if you haven't heard enough of me on the town guided walks and the recent Harborough District Walking Festival, then this could be quite fun.
I am really looking forward to this discussion with Len Holden who's knowledge of local history is massive. What's more his quality as a lecturer and public speaker, is likely to make our encounter very entertaining.
But of course, our discussion is only a small part of Quinns Book, Arts & Craft Festival. So if you are unable to make our event, do try and come on the day and visit the fascinating stalls and other speakers.
For more info & to book talk tickets, follow this link : https://www.quinnsbookshop.co.uk/bacfestival2024

16/09/2024

This year’s Harborough District Walking Festival 2024, drew to a close with the now traditional, day long guided walk.
Based around the lost villages of High Leicestershire, although I say it myself, this was a highly enjoyable guided walk. We ventured either close to or visited the deserted villages of Cold Newton, Lowesby, Baggrave, Quenby and Ingarsby and discovered all about their fascinating history.
Covering around 8.5 miles we passed the beautiful houses of Ingarsby Old Hall and Quenby Hall. Our packed lunches were taken at the Ashby Arms in Hungarton, where they very kindly allowed us to use the outside seating area and inside facilities (vitally important on a long walk!).
George and I are proud to say that this year’s Walking Festival has been a great success with record participation. It’s been a joy to have such delightful people of all ages, join us on every one of our walks. Many thanks must go to all those who took part. We have been asked by so many to hold another walking festival in 2025, that we really cannot refuse.

14/09/2024

The Harborough District Walking Festival guided walks held last Wednesday and Thursday were a great success. Fortunately we were able to avoid the worst of the rain showers.
On Wednesday, George told us some intriguing tales about the building of the canals at Foxton Locks and Gumley’s royal connections.
On Thursday we toured the lovely Northants villages of Stoke Albany & Wilbarston and I surprised our walkers by showing them the hand painted six finger signpost in a field above Ashley.
Tomorrow, Sunday, sees the last guided walk of this year’s festival. This is the full day’s walk where we will checkout a number of High Leicestershire’s deserted villages. It promises to be a fascinating walk, which is now completely sold out.

09/09/2024

Yesterday, Sunday, saw us present the first two walks of The Harborough District Walking Festival and what fun they were too.
We were very lucky with the weather as in the early morning it was raining. However, it stopped not long before the start of the morning walk and the sun came out to join us.
We had a lovely group of people of all ages on both walks. They were very chatty and social, which always makes our guided walks so much more enjoyable. It was great to meet some new people and have a number of regulars from last year’s festival join us again. We must be doing something right or they're gluttons for punishment:-)
We all tried some of the ripe blackberries found on route, as well as discovering some unusual items. This included a piece of Roman pottery and a wizard’s face carved into a couple of wooden footpath markers. A special thank you must go to Richard Dear for supplying a number of the photos seen here.
Although the full day’s walk on Sunday 15th is sold out, there are still places available on our Wednesday & Thursday guided walks. For further details and to book the festival walks, follow this link https://www.harboroughwalks.org/walking-festival

06/09/2024

At last! Harborough District Walking Festival starts this Sunday. All the Sunday guided walks are sold out. But there are still places for our countryside weekday walks, Wednesday Sept. 11th around Foxton Locks and Gumley and Thursday Sept 12th a circular walk taking in the villages of Wilbarston, Ashley & Stoke Albany. If you have not been able to book the Sunday walks, we look forward to seeing on one of these. For further details and to book the festival walks, follow this link https://www.harboroughwalks.org/walking-festival

27/08/2024

🌿🏞️ Step into September with the Harborough Walking Festival 2024! 🏞️🌿

Discover the hidden gems of the Harborough District and beyond from 8th - 15th September 2024 at the Harborough Walking Festival! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Join our local experts, James Carpenter and George Keeping, for six unforgettable walks through some of the most picturesque and historic areas of Leicestershire. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just love a leisurely stroll, these walks, ranging from 5 to 7.5 miles, are perfect for you! 🌳✨

Walk Highlights Include:
🌾 The charming village of Great Easton
🏰 The historic trails of Medbourne
🚤 The scenic views at Foxton Locks
🌄 The rolling hills of Wilbarston
🌳 The beauty of Billesdon
🕰️ Discover the mysteries of the Lost Villages of High Leicestershire

Unfortunately, this event is for humans only, so please leave your furry friends at home. 🐾

Supported by Harborough District Council, Visit Harborough District, and proudly sponsored by Involved Holidays, a leading guided walking holiday company exploring the UK and Europe. 🌍✈️

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the heart of Leicestershire. Secure your spot today and make memories that will last a lifetime! 📅👟

Only £8 per person per walk. Book your place today via our website
https://www.harboroughwalks.org/walking-festival

23/08/2024

As part of this year’s Harborough District Walking Festival, September 8th to 15th, we have two intriguing mid-week guided walks.
On Thursday Sept 12th we venture just across the county border for a 6 ½ mile guided walk in the rolling countryside of Northamptonshire. We visit the ancient villages of Wilbarston, Ashley and Stoke Albany with a profusion of attractive ironstone houses and discover an odd signpost and other surprises on route. Why not finish the walk with lunch at the Milking Parlour Café or the Fox Inn in Wilbarston or The White Horse in Stoke Albany.
Join us on Friday Sept. 13th for the morning guided walk to discover Billesdon and the delightful countryside that surrounds it. We take in fascinating local landmarks such as Billesdon Coplow Hill, Botany Bay Covert and the interestingly named ‘Sludge Hall’. We can thoroughly recommend finishing this walk with lunch at The Queen’s Head Billesdon. For further details and to book the festival walks, follow this link https://www.harboroughwalks.org/walking-festival

15/08/2024

This year’s Harborough District Walking Festival has six fascinating guided walks, starting with two walks on Sunday September 8th. These are based around the beautiful Nevill Holt House. As well as Nevill Holt, the morning guided walk takes in the villages of Great Easton, Bringhurst and Drayton. From the top of Drayton hill, we will see fabulous views of the Welland Valley and Rockingham Castle
The afternoon guided walk includes the Leicestershire gems of Medbourne and Blaston. We also walk the footsteps of Romans along the Gartree Road, passing close to ancient villa sites.
For further details and to book the festival walks, follow this link – https://www.harboroughwalks.org/walking-festival