(A) Glenfield has been the site of a settlement since about 800 BC and was featured in the Doomsday Book. In more recent times it played a strong part in the early development of the railways. As is the case with many villages which have seen rapid expansion and urbanisation, it is hardly a ‘pretty’ village, but it does have many corners of historic interest and wildlife havens. It is now home to a population of nearly 10,000 people.
[1] Starting from the Stamford Street car park, turn left to head towards Station Road. After the first bank of shops, turn left down a snicket to come upon the remains of the village smithy and continue along Blacksmiths Bank to join Church Road,
Turn left towards St Peter’s Church.
(B) It is worth spending a little time here. The original church is about 800 years old and now just a ruin and home to wildlife. It is a listed building (Grade ll) as is the modern church consecrated in 1877. The burial ground and war memorial tell a great deal about Glenfield’s history and old families.
[2] Turn left at the church entrance towards the Church Centre and pass to its right. Take the path to the right and and proceed through the graveyard until the path comes out onto Glebe Close, part of the new Elm Tree Estate.
[3] Halfway up this road take a path going off to the left between the houses. The path comes out onto Saddlers Close. Turn right and follow the road around. Cross over Foresters Close, take the path between the houses to join Bowmans Way.
If you wish to cut the walk short, turn left along this road and where it forms a T-junction with Hayfield Close, take a path to your left into Ellis Park. Cross the park diagonally to join the path to the right of the bowling green. Turn left at the end and then right to return to Stamford Street. The park can be wet and slippery.
Take care care when crossing the park. In wet conditions take the following alternative route
Instead, if you wish to avoid the park fields, turn right up Bowmans Way onto Elm Tree Avenue and then left to follow this road round onto Park Drive and then Stamford Street, to return to your start point.
[4] To walk the full route, turning right onto Bowmans Way and then left onto Elm Tree Avenue. Turn next right onto Blackthorn Road and proceed to the end of the road. Look out for bird life near the seasonal pond on the right. Go forward onto the short path to enter Springfield Close and, at its end, turn left onto Oakmeadow, .
[5] At the end of this road follow Somerset Drive to the right, up the hill, and turn 3rd right and go up Wheatfield Close. Again look out for a small pond on your right. Just after the pond take the bridleway on your left and continue forward to join Alliance Road. At the end of the road turn left onto Glenfield Crescent. and continue forward onto Harrison Close.
[6] Turn left at the end onto Park Drive, cross the road and turn onto Ellis Close to cross Ellis Park. Turn right at the end to return to the start.