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Welcome

In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

A great day out for the budding cyclist, from tearaway toddlers to young teens perfecting their skills, we’ve got a range of trails for beginner to intermediate appetites.

Visit our lakeside bird hide where you can soak in the beautiful scenery and spot some unique wildlife, such as the migratory sand martins. There are also walking and horse riding paths to explore the forest, a play area and a café!

Image of cyclists in front of Hicks Lodge Cafe

Level access

The main entrance has level access.

There is level access from the main entrance to:

Cafe ToiletGrounds Cafe - Hicks Lodge

There is level access from the car park to:

Lake picnic area
The hide entrance has level access.

Hearing

The fire alarm has flashing lights.

General

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

Getting here

Willesley Woodside
Moira Road
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
LE65 2UP

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with Abbey Taxis by calling 01530 416060.

Parking

We have a car park. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is not free.
From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. The path is sloped.
The route is 1200mm wide, or more.

Arrival

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.
The path is 1800mm wide, or more.
The path is sloped.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.
The door is 1000mm wide.
The main door is side hung and manual.
Footpath from the car park Footpath to the café and cycle hire

Getting around inside

Public toilet

Cafe Toilet

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 850mm wide.
The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the right.
There is 1250mm at the side of the toilet. There is 1700mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 480mm high. The toilets have handrails.
Accessible toilet Toilet entrance

Place to eat and drink

Grounds Cafe - Hicks Lodge

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. The door is 1000mm wide.
To get to a table, there are no steps.
The dining area is self-service. If you need table service, staff can help you.
The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.
There is no background music.
We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs) and vegan specific diets.
Entrance to the café and cycle hire

Getting around outside

Designated Walking Trail

Hicks Lodge Trail

The trail is 2000metres long. Some of the trail has a loose surface. The trail is sloped. The trail has seats. There are bird hides along the trail.
Bird hide entrance Start of Hicks Lodge Trail Example of the trail surface Steep hill on Hicks Lodge Trail One three benches located on Hicks Lodge Trail

Lake Bird Hide

At the hide entrance, there is level access. The door is 650.00mm wide.
There are low windows in the hide, so wheelchair users can see outside.

Picnic Area

Lake picnic area

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The path is 2500mm wide, or more.
The entrance is 2500mm wide.
You can bring your own food to the picnic area.
Picnic area with path from the trail Picnic bench

Customer care support

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.
The fire alarm has flashing lights.
Guide info
Any information, comments and views made available to users via this Accessibility Guide are provided directly from third party business operators. VisitEngland and VisitScotland do not endorse or validate this information. Any reliance on this Accessibility Guide is at your own risk. This guide is not intended to be a substitute for users making their own checks, inquiries and investigations directly with the business operators prior to making any booking or visiting the venue.