Garendon

New for 2025: Garendon Park - Public Access

This page is dedicated to the Garendon Park Housing Development to the west of Loughborough and will focus on public access to the southern part of the estate. 

The Garendon estate was approved for development in the late 2010s by Charnwood Borough Council (CBC), the bulk of the estate land having already been sold to Persimmon Homes in 2015. Final Planning permission was granted by CBC in 2018. 

A key condition of the S106 development planning authority approval was the opening up of the southern part of the estate to public access as a new amenity. The developers issued a plan for public access based on the S106 agreement terms. You can see this in the Figures Section below.

For details of progress so far, a comprehensive guide to what public rights of way are already available to explore, and a pleasant walk to get you started, see the box below. You can also download a .pdf guide to take with you here when exploring the park. (Please note that during the closure of the Coach Road in 2025-26, alternative round-trip routes will be necessary - see below for details).

I'll be providing regular updates as things develop, so watch this space......

Updated 29.8.25

Garendon Park - Shepshed Circular Walk

This walk is designed to help users make use of newly-opened footpaths and metalled tracks on the Garendon Estate, which is located between Loughborough and Shepshed. The Estate contains several listed monuments of interest, dating from the Victorian era and earlier.  The old Garendon Hall which was the centre-piece of the estate before its destruction in 1964, dated back to the 16th Century and had a colourful history - you'll find more details in the guide. 

The estate is currently being developed to provide new housing by Persimmon Homes and William Davis. A condition of the S106 planning approval was that the southern part of the estate would be opened to the public, effectively forming a new country park area for recreational purposes.

Many of the footpaths were due to open in June 2023  according to Persimmon's original development plan (these long-past dates are still listed on their website!). Only two were open by that date, but more did become accessible during the course of the autumn of 2023. However, many of the planned footpaths and cycle routes are not yet available. It is still not possible to join up with NCR6 at the Bavarian Arch, although this important link was originally scheduled for the original June 2023 Phase 1 opening date.  Although Persimmon own the land immediately to the west of the Arch, and the existing metalled track bypassing the Arch itself, they have so far failed to open it to the public. We understand this is because of a privacy issue with the existing tenant of the Arch, which is still owned by the DeLisle estate.

It is hoped that the 200 metre stretch of the main estate access road south of the Arch which is still closed to the public will be opened as soon as possible, to enable the developers to achieve compliance with S106 terms, and thus render legal enforcement action unnecessary (see updates below for more details.) To provide temporary access to NCR6 from the southern part of the estate while negotiations between the developer and the DeLisle estate progress,  a footpath has been mooted to the western side of the lake; this has so far not materialised. 

The walk described in the guide, provides a circular route starting and finishing in Shepshed, almost all of it on off-road footpaths or existing  cycle routes.  (The start and finish points could easily be adjusted to allow a start in Loughborough, taking in the Obelisk monument on the Eastern edge of the estate as an additional historical attraction). 

Currently, the route shown would not be suitable for cyclists; when the remaining route via the Bavarian Arch opens, a circular cycle route or walk including NCR6 and the old Coach Road back to Shepshed would make a pleasant round trip. A circular cycle route taking in the southern part of the estate is currently possible, although this does involve using main trunk roads – see the guide for a suggested route returning via the Old Ashby Road estate and A512).

Update 20.12.23: A new footpath has now opened at southern end of the estate following the old Loughborough to Ashby railway track-bed - see guide for details. Connects with Old Ashby Road estate via Clowbridge and Pitsford Drives.

You can download or view the .pdf guide (Garendon Estate Walk.pdf) using the direct link above.  Why not take it with you on your smartphone or tablet ?....

Update 8.2.24: It appears that there may be a further delay in  opening the link between NCR6 and A512 via the Bavarian Arch, as originally planned for June 2023. Ownership of the Arch and immediate surrounding area was retained by the DeLisle family at the time of the land transfer, although Persimmon do own the farm track to the west of the Arch. While the privacy issue with the sitting tenant  is being resolved, two alternative routes avoiding the arch are being considered, although these would involve extra costs - see the updated Guide for more details of this issue and other developments regarding Garendon public access. Ultimately, the new road being built between the new Ashby Road roundabout and the northern part of the estate will bypass the Arch, but this is not scheduled for completion until 2028, and will only connect with NCR6 well to the west of the Arch.

Update 3.6.24: Following forestry works by Persimmon, the footpath connecting Pitsford Drive with the eastern part of the estate is heavily rutted and very muddy following recent rains - waterproof footwear desirable ! Hopefully some dry weather will help remedy the problem. 

Update 26.7.24: As predicted in the February update, there is likely to be a further delay in provision of through pedestrian access from the southern part of the estate to NCR6, due to the continuing dispute regarding tenant privacy. The temporary route via woodland to the west of the lake bypassing the Bavarian Arch has not yet been agreed and looks unlikely to progress this year. 

Cyclists should also beware also that the surface condition of both Hathern Drive and Pear Tree Lane is now very poor due to recent utility laying by  Persimmon, and becomes virtually impassable after heavy rain. I would not recommend using either route north of the turnoff to Shepshed. NCR6 itself has also been badly churned up by construction traffic and farm vehicles of late, and I suspect this is unlikely to be remedied before building work starts in this area.

Update 4.8.24: I can now confirm that access through Booth Wood to footpath R5 is now possible. This new access is shown on the Estate map attached to the guide and the footpath provides a through route to the main estate road, joining it near the turn off to the White House. The access points to R5 from Booth Wood have still to be upgraded but are passable with care. The surface of R5 itself is unmetalled and still somewhat rough due to vehicle ruts, but currently dry. I would advise stout waterproof footwear during the rainy season. This path is well worth a visit since it provides a route from NCR6 (Coe Avenue end) via the newly restored Obelisk all the way through to the main road, and provides panoramic views over the 100-acre field. 

Another attraction recently available for public access is the Triumphal Arch, located just to the East of the White House. It's well worth a visit, and you can reach it via the turn-off from the Old Coach Road - the Arch is located ca 100 metres up the hill on your right. There is a direct link from the Arch to the Temple of Venus. At present this is 'no public access' but it is hoped that the link, and the track from the Temple of Venus to the main road  will both be opened soon.

Update 8.10.24: The green 'Private Land' signs have reappeared at the junction of the Coach Road and the track to the White House, making the Triumphal Arch inaccessible once again. So far Persimmon have not offered an explanation for this change or an indication of when the monument will be accessible again. The footpath connecting Pitsford Drive with the eastern part of the estate via the old railway trackbed is still passable despite the recent heavy rains, but is badly rutted and definitely not suitable for cyclists.  Path R5 between Booth Wood and the Estate main road is still passable although now getting muddy in places. If your footwear is not 100% waterproof, I'd recommend using the strip of hardcore which has been laid to the left of this path, and allows better drainage.

Please see also Footpath Status updates in the box below.

Garendon Footpath Status Updates 2025

Newsflash 11.4.25....

The Coach road route into Shepshed is closed at the M1 bridge due to construction work for the new road...see update below for more details.

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The estate's footpath network is scheduled to expand this year, and some sections are already undergoing upgrading. This section is designed to provide regular updates on the condition of the network, which I shall endeavour to post when changes occur. 

21.1.25:  At present (21.1.25) works are in progress on upgrading footpath R5 and footpaths connecting it to Loughborough via Booth Wood. The stretch between the newly restored Obelisk and the entrances to Booth Wood is particularly badly churned up as a result of vehicle access and is very muddy. Unless you especially fond of wading through quagmires, and have a stout pair of wellies available for the purpose, I'd recommend avoiding this path, at least until it gets a chance to dry out in the Spring, and works subside. I've marked the section  affected in red...For those wishing to enter the estate from Loughborough via Booth Wood, an alternative route via the path adjacent to the Burleigh College playing fields is passable, and this now joins up with the track past the Obelisk to the Coe Avenue entrance gate (marked blue). You may encounter resurfacing works near the Obelisk. 

All other routes: Passable with waterproof footwear, except White House track to Triumphal Arch, which remains Private. There has been no progress on through access to NCR6 via the main road, either via the Phase 1 or Phase 2 routes, both of which remain closed.

Users of the main road at its southern end may notice the works at the middle A512 roundabout, where the construction of the new road through the estate linking A512 to Pear Tree Lane is underway.

Map of Routes below: Key: Red routes: use not advised; Black Routes: Open to public and passable - generally metalled (except main road to NCR6 and old railway trackbed  path); Blue route: Alternative access from Booth Wood pending works completion. Phase 1 & 2 planned routes as marked.

17.3.25: The recent dry spell, which has lasted since late February, has dried out many of the unsurfaced footpaths nicely, such that only the section of R5 between Booth Wood south entrance and the main road remains boggy and difficult to negotiate without wellies. We now also have gravelled tracks from all 3 access routes through Booth Wood to the estate. The footpath on the northern side of 100-acre field is in good condition. 

Sadly, there has been no obvious progress on opening  a link between the Main Road and NCR6 via either the Phase 1 or Phase 2 routes shown on the plan. One hopes that some progress will be made this spring and summer, given this link was originally promised by Persimmon to be available in June 2023, and is nearly 2 years late. 

11.4.25: Continued dry weather has dried out the remaining 'mud spot' on R5, which is now passable throughout. No sign yet of any upgrading of the surface. Construction of the new road connecting A512 with the Hathern Road development has started in earnest. The Coach road route to Shephed is now closed at the M1 bridge gate, so anyone wishing to travel from Loughborough to Shepshed via Garendon now has only 1 option i.e. NCR6. Unfortunately, since the estate remains private land and the Coach road was not officially designated as a public right of way (PROW) there was no requirement to notify LCC Highways in advance by applying for a TTRO. Be warned also that NCR6 itself may be closed fairly soon, since it too lies in the path of the new road. Parts of the middle hedge have already been removed to facilitate the work. This route, at least, will definitely require a TTRO (12 weeks notice required) since NCR6 is a designated PROW, and has been for many years. 

Pear Tree Lane now appears to be open to walkers throughout its length. Take care on the very uneven surface on Hathern Drive - this is due to continual churning up by heavy plant during the wet season which has dried hard to produce deep ruts. Watch your ankles ! (Definitely not suitable for bikes as yet).

14.5.25: All FPs are now passable due to the remarkably prolonged dry and sunny spring weather. R5 now appears on Persimmon's maps as open, along with the Coach Road closure, which appears to be scheduled to last for 'several months' according the their website's blog page. The track of the new road connecting A512 with the Hathern Road development is now emerging and works have started immediately adjacent to NCR6. This section is still open, but has been fenced off on either side for approx  200 m where the crossing will be constructed. There is no information so far on when this section will be closed, or for how long. As expected, no progress, or any indication of when the link between the estate road and NCR6 at the Bavarian Arch will be opened. This is likely to be postponed until the fate of the Barn buildings is decided by the new owner after the sale goes through.

Unfortunately the above restrictions mean that the circular walk to and from Shepshed via the Coach Road described above in the Guide is no longer available. For anyone interested in a substitute round-trip walk taking in the estate during the Coach Road closure period, I'd recommend following NCR6 to the bridge and Old Oak FP as suggested, then continuing via the main estate road to Ashby Road, then returning by bus using the 127 Service stop at the filling station (adjacent to Snell's Nook Lane junction). Buses run every 20 mins Mon-Sat, every 30 mins Sundays & Bank Hols. (Blue Route in the figure)

An alternative slightly longer route would be via the Obelisk and R5, returning to Old Ashby Road via Booth Wood. (Green Route in the figure)

Update 27.7.25: A recent inspection revealed that some progress has been made on the new road, with an unmetalled causeway now evident between the A512 and the level of the White House on the attached plan. It's not possible to see whether this extends through to the Coach Road crossing, since the whole area is fenced off between the M1 tunnel and the turn off to the White House. There are also extensive workings where the new road is due to cross NCR6, although NCR6 itself has been kept open so far since it is a designated P.R.O.W.  Some repairs have also been carried out to the NCR6 surface to facilitate heavy plant movements, and this route  should now be a little easier for bikes to negotiate when the rains return this Autumn.

I would anticipate Coach Road will remain closed now until late autumn at the earliest, and possibly into the New Year. All other footpaths remain open, but no progress is evident yet on the Bavarian Arch link. Interestingly, the 'Private Land signs on the track up to the White House have been removed, suggesting we may soon be allowed access to the Triumphal Arch again. The Temple of Venus is still fenced off with the usual Private Land signs displayed.

Update 10.8.25: I've just had confirmation from one of our local councillors via CBC planning that Persimmon are not now proposing to re-open the Coach Road route until April 2026. Be prepared also for overruns to the schedule, as for most construction projects. I have raised the question with local councillors as to whether a similar arrangement could not be made in the interim to the one currently in force for the NCR6 crossing point, whereby a corridor is created to allow passage to pedestrians and cyclists for the duration of the works.  I have also queried once again the protracted 2-year delay in creating a link to NCR6 from the main estate road via the Bavarian Arch.

Watch this space.....

Garendon Footpath and Public Access Status: May 2025

 Key: Red routes: use not advised; Black Routes: Open to public and passable - generally metalled (except main road to NCR6 and old railway trackbed  path); Blue route: Alternative access from Booth Wood pending works completion. Phase 1 & 2 planned routes as marked.

Garendon Public Access Plan: Persimmon 2023

This plan was intended to provide guidance on footpath availability throughout the 4 phases of their Public access project. As can be seen from the current actual availability, compliance with the S106 terms, on which the plan was based, has not yet been achieved.