(2.41km)
Walking
Bottesford Station Walk
Bottesford
Bottesford derives its name from the Anglo-Saxon “Ford belonging to the botl” (house). The ford was over the River Devon. Bottesford is listed in the 1086 Domesday Book as “Botesford”, in the hundred of Framland. Historically, Bottesford was closely associated with the Earls and Dukes of Rutland.
Starting point
Bottesford Station, Station Road, Bottesford, Leicestershire, NG13 0GT
Linked to Public Transport
Points of interest:
Bottesford is both a Parish and a village situated in the vale of Belvoir. The station opened in July 1850 and still forms part of the Poacher Line, also being the only station to be situated within Leicestershire. There were two stations in Bottesford however, the second opened in 1879 and closed a matter of years later due to the through service being discontinued. The ford was over the River Devon which runs through the heart of Bottesford. The village was built along the River Devon (pronounced Dee-von) and named after the ford at the centre of the village.
- 1Bottesford Friendly Garden
- This beautiful garden has been created and maintained by the Station adopters. An unused piece of Railway land that has been transformed into a welcoming landscaped garden, a peaceful place for everyone to visit and enjoy the wildlife.
- 2Market Cross and Stocks
- This Grade II listed medieval standing cross stands on/near its original standing place, with the Stocks and Whipping post located next to it, it is thought that these two features date from the 18th century.
- 3Devon Lane Ford
- This Georgian Century footbridge runs over the river Devon with a ford crossing Devon lane heading towards The Green. This Green was a communal area where locals would gather for celebrations and to watch children play.
- 4The Earl of Rutland’s Hospital
- This Grade II listed building, The ‘Rutland Hospital’ was founded in 1591 by the Elizabeth, Countess of Rutland, wife of the 4th Earl of Rutland, as an almshouse.
- 5Flemings Bridge
- The River Devon runs under this beautiful Grade II listed bridge, the bridge was built in 1590 by Dr. Fleming, rector of Bottesford. One day, while trying to cross the river to church when the river was in flood, he had to be rescued. As a debt of gratitude he had the bridge built.
- 6St Mary the Virgin’s Church
- This Grade I listed church tower contains a fine peal of six bells, re-hung in 1869. The Anglican parish church was dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin. The church dates back to 1170.
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Poacher Line Station Walks
Enjoy a collection of walking routes accessible by rail. All along the Poacher Line you can find historic landmarks to visit, scenic walks, visitor attractions and monuments that are accessible up and down the award winning Poacher Line railway.
