Appleby Magna Parish Walks

About Appleby Magna

Where is Appleby Magna? Appleby Magna is a small village in west Leicestershire about 2.6km south west of Measham. To get to the village either follow the M42 to Junction 11, take the B5493 towards Measham, then immediately right along Rectory Lane to Appleby Magna, or the A444 through Appleby Parva. If approaching from the east, follow the country lanes via Heather, Swepstone and Snarestone.

This picturesque village has many interesting dwellings, including a medieval gatehouse, Almshouses and a school based on original designs by Sir Christopher Wren.
Refreshments in Appleby Magna: The Post Office has a well stocked shop. The Crown Inn, Church Street serves food, but is not open all day.

Find out more about Appleby Magna on Leicestershire Villages

Traveline which allows users to search by postcode and places of interest. There are other features including detailed maps of the journey, walking distances and public transport timetable downloads.

The same information is also available everyday on 0871 200 22 33 7am - 10pm. For the next bus departures from any bus stop or postcode visit Traveline East Midlands online.

About the Walks

There are 2 different walks in the Appleby Magna area: 1.5miles, and 3 miles.
Walk 1 starts from The Post Office, Mawby's Lane, and Walk 2 starts from the A444.
All of the paths are waymarked.

Download the printer friendly Leaflet (.pdf)

To order a paper copy of the Parish Walk leaflet to be delivered to you, please email customerservices@leics.gov.uk or telephone 0116 305 8160 quoting the leaflet you want and your name and address.

The Route

A larger map is available from here

Walk 1

2.5km (1.5miles) allow 3/4 hour, relatively easy walking, with no stiles, Street parking near the Post Office on Mawby’s Lane or alternatively, on Church St near the Crown Public House. There are a number of other opportunities for street parking in this small village.

To start the walk take the footpath to the right of the Post Office in Mawby’s Lane, leading past the Moat House. The original part of the Moat House is believed to have been built in 1166 by William de Appleby, and occupied by the family until 1560. Sadly, only the gatehouse still remains. The black and white section was added after the de Appleby’s had left. It is said that in 1935 some American’s tried to buy the house and have it transported to the USA!
At the end of the path turn left to reach Top Street, then turn right and follow the road.

A. Just after the grand building of Sir John Moore’s School turn right down Church Street. Sir John Moore was a grocer who made his fortune in trade and in 1681 was made Lord Mayor of London. He commissioned Christopher Wren to prepare the original designs for the Sir John Moore’s Free School, which was completed in 1697. The school buildings are now used as a C of E Primary School. On passing the Chapter House on the road bend, take the footpath on the left, follow this to Bowley’s Lane. Cross the lane and continue north to the first field boundary.
B. Turn right keeping the pond to the right, and follow the path to Saint Michael’s Church. Turn left to go along the road in front of the church and then right at the road junction to complete the walk.

Walk 2

4.8km (3miles)allow 11/4 hours (or 3.8km, 2.4miles for the shorter walk), mostly hard surface with some gentle hills Parking: In a layby on the A444. West side of the road

100 metres north of the Appleby Inn, or in the pub car park if you intend indulging in food and drinks. Set off along Dingle Lane, a track found to the south of Appleby Inn, between the car park and the house. Continue until you pass under the motorway and to the end of the lane.

1.At this point there is the option of a short cut.
Short Cut...upon entering the open field, head left to a waymarked gate, pass through this, across the next field to the rough track called Salt Street, then turn left to meet the main walk at (star)

...Upon entering the open field continue towards the farm. Immediately after the farmhouse, follow the path away from the track, heading left. Keeping the hedge on your left, continue to a gate. Follow the path straight across another field to the road.

2. Turn immediately left and follow the lane behind the houses. Turn left at the main lane, into Austrey Lane. After 50 metres take Salt Street, the track on the left. Continue along here. The shorter route re-joins at (Star)
There are spectacular views as you follow Salt Street towards the motorway and Appleby.

3. After passing the microwave tower, turn left onto Austrey Road, and descend to the starting point at Appleby Inn.