[1] The summit of Beacon Hill is just a short walk uphill to the northeast of the upper car park (SK509146). A toposcope not far from the trig pillar (above) indicates landmarks that can be seen from the summit. Looking south-southeast, you can see Old John Tower and the nearby war memorial in Bradgate Park. The open heathland of Beacon Hill is grazed throughout the year by English Longhorn and Highland cattle, as well as Manx Loaghtan and Hebridean sheep – examples of which you may spot. You may also see alpacas in the park: these have been introduced to protect the sheep from dog attacks. From the summit, descend the slopes eastwards to join a broad track at the bottom. Turn right and follow it through trees to the lower car park. Turn right on the outer track, curving round to the right, then back left (signed for Broombriggs car park) to the road, and cross to the car park.
[2] Continue ahead along the bridleway through fields to the road at Woodhouse Eaves. Turn right along the pavement and take the next footpath on the left, the route of the Leicestershire Round. The route takes you through the grounds of a golf course, across a road, then along the edge of Rough Hill Woodlands, created as part of the National Forest. Turn left when you reach the next road, which leads to a T-junction and a car park for Bradgate Park opposite.
[3] Go through the car park and on up the hillside to Old John Tower, from where there are extensive views (and again a toposcope). From there, continue to the nearby war memorial and then southwards down the open slopes to another car park
at Newtown Linford.
[4] Back on the route of the Leicestershire Round, turn right onto a pavement along the road. Keep ahead at a mini-roundabout. Turn off left along a lane signed for Markfield, and soon leave the road on the right to continue across fields and through John’s Lee Wood. Just past a gate to Tangletrees Stables on your left, you go through a bridle gate and then need to go immediately right (not ahead). Carry on westwards towards the A50 and through woodland parallel to the road for a short distance.
[5] When the Leicestershire Round turns left to go underneath the main road, you turn right and follow the footpath north-northeast to a lane. Turn left to a crossroads and then right. After 1km, turn left along a private drive/footpath to Ulverscroft Lodge. Bear right up to the drive to Black Hill Farm and turn left to the road. Turn right to the crossroads and go through a gate opposite into the country park. Turn right along the track back to the car park.