SK5211 : Poppy wreaths at the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial

Old John Tower

212m Elevation
34m Prominence
England Country
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SK5211 : Poppy wreaths at the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial

Mat Fascione Photo source

Explore routes near Old John Tower

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Woolaton Park Circular

3.7 km ~1h Easy

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Derby Derwent Riverside walk

4.9 km ~1h 20m Easy

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Draycote Water Walk: Route Map and Current Closures

7.6 km ~2h Moderate

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Friendly Ogston Reservoir walk

5 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Old John Tower Circuit

A scenic loop starting from the main car park that takes you around the surrounding woodland.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

212m

696 ft

Prominence

34m

Coordinates

52.6953, -1.2251

SK524111

OS Map

129

Explorer: 246

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a picturesque folly built in 1787, complete with a stone tower, offering immense character and the perfect photo op.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops providing a delightful contrast to the surrounding woodland.

The area is predominantly composed of Precambrian quartzite and granite, with interesting rock formations that tell the geological story of the region. The tough materials mean the tower has stood firm through the ages.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy expansive views over the rolling hills of Charnwood Forest and even catch a glimpse of the iconic Leicester skyline on clear days.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Old John' is derived from an old legend involving a local landowner named John, who, according to lore, had a rather old disposition—hence the name.

Historical Significance

Old John Tower is a well-loved landmark and a cherished part of the local heritage, often featured in regional literature and art.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park at the launch point on the main road near Bradgate Park, just a short walk away from the route.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is located in Newtown Linford, providing access via local bus services.

Nearby Facilities

Expect to find restrooms at the Bradgate Park visitor centre, as well as a café serving refreshments to recharge after your strenuous hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths during wet conditions and watch out for loose stones near the summit.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Old John Tower?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Old John Tower through the maps

Are there other walkers around Old John Tower?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Old John Tower search or of course create your own walk for Old John Tower

Can I organise a walk to Old John Tower?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Old John Tower.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Old John Tower?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Old John Tower here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Old John Tower location map

Grid reference: SK524111

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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