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A relaxed circuit of Sence Valley’s lakes near Ibstock, using the established walking paths within the country park. Allow about 90 minutes for the 3.2 km route, including time to look across the water. The walk links Horseshoe Lake, Goss Water and Stonebridge Pool without crossing the A447 or using the bridge on Pisca Lane.
Start at the top car park, reached from Ravenstone Road. Take the pedestrian path down towards the Horseshoe Lake viewpoint, then follow the lakeside path south and around the curved end of the lake. Continue beside Goss Water and head north through the woodland towards Stonebridge Pool. Walk around the pool, keeping to the public paths rather than the water’s edge, and return through the lower car park area before climbing back to the top car park.
The park combines open water with young woodland on land restored after coal extraction. The lake margins and quieter northern paths offer good places to pause and watch wildlife, although sightings vary with the season. The descent from the top car park and the climb back are the main gradients; the rest is fairly gentle. Surfaces include paved paths, gravel and forest paths that can become muddy after rain.
Parking is charged; follow the instructions at the machines or use the advertised payment service. Vehicle gates have seasonal closing times, so check the entrance signs before setting off. At the time of checking, Forestry England reports that the toilets are unavailable because of a fault. Do not rely on them for this visit. The Pisca Lane bridge is also temporarily closed; this route stays clear of it. Follow any additional closure signs on the day.
Keep dogs under close control near wildlife and give cyclists space on shared paths. The lakes have unguarded edges, so supervise children and stay out of the water.
Route and visitor information checked against Forestry England’s Sence Valley map and current visitor notices: https://www.forestryengland.uk/sence-valley
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