[1] Cross Astill Lodge Road (take care crossing the road) and take the path to enter Castle Hill Country Park. Continue ahead, crossing over the A46 bridge, to King William's Bridge.
(A) King William's Bridge is a pack horse bridge possibly dating from the 17th Century which was restored in 2008. Originally recorded as the ‘Dambridge’, it was named after King William III who ruled, with Queen Mary, from 1688 to 1702. He passed this way in 1696 on his way to visit Lord Grey, Earl of Stamford (son of Thomas, Lord Grey of Groby - the only Lord to sign the death warrant of King Charles I) at his residence in Bradgate Park (birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the 9-day Queen of England)
This area was grazed by sheep and to the east of the bridge are the remains of an old tunnel which is thought to be part of an old sheep wash.
[2] Just before the bridge pass through the gate on the left to enter the Anstey Quarter of Castle Hill Country Park.
(B) This quarter is a storm water retention area and there are a number of large sluices which feed the area. They have rarely been called into use.
Keep to the right to walk along the mown path to walk through Rothley Brook Meadow and along by the trees lining the side of Rothley Brook. (take care crossing the plank footbridge near the start)
(C) The Rothley Brook borders both Nothill and Anstey Quarters and is a Local Wildlife Site. It rises in Bagworth Wood and passes through Thornton, Desford, Ratby and Glenfield on its way to join the River Soar at Rothley. There are plenty of butterflies and over 40 bird species have been spotted here and it is a haven for Kingfishers. Records indicate the possible presence of Water Voles, Otters and White-clawed Crayfish.
[3] As you near the end of the meadow, and the pylon, the path bends slightly left. After this bend bear right and follow the path alongside the small orchard of apple trees (on your left). After a short distance the path joins the main one from the Gorse Hill entrance - New Anstey Wood and Orchard are to be seen in front.
[4] Turn sharp left at this main path, heading towards the brick building associated with the flood relief scheme. Continue along the embankment and cross the flood retention wall.
[5] Continue for approximately 400m, then just before the path bears to the right, turn left down the slope to return to King William's Bridge.
[6] Turn right through the gate to retrace your steps along the path and over the A46 footbridge to the start.