Start with a lap of Horseshoe Lake, then spend an hour at our wood-fired sauna among the trees. Sence Valley Forest Park near Ibstock and Fire & Stars in Newton Burgoland make an easy pairing for an afternoon in the National Forest. Day visitors are welcome at the sauna.
Start at Sence Valley Forest Park
Head to Ravenstone Road, Ibstock, LE67 6NW, and use the lower car park for the lakeside loop. Parking charges apply and the gates close earlier in winter. Before you leave, check Forestry England’s opening hours and parking information.
Walk around Horseshoe Lake
The All Ability Trail is a fairly level 1 km loop around Horseshoe Lake from the lower car park. Allow 30 to 45 minutes at a gentle pace, including a stop by the water. The loop is unmarked, so have a look at the walking trails and map before setting off.
For a longer walk, the 2.5 km Wellbeing Trail also starts at the lower car park and takes in the Centenary Woodland and Stonebridge Pool. See the Wellbeing Trail details.
Plan a Saturday afternoon
Choose a sauna session before setting out so you can plan the walk around it. If you book the 3pm Saturday session, here’s a way to pace the afternoon.
1.30pm Start the Horseshoe Lake loop.
2.15pm Aim to be back at your car. Check your route and allow time for the drive to Newton Burgoland.
2.45pm Aim to park at Fire & Stars 15 minutes before your session, so you have time to walk over, check in and change.
Use the Snarestone Road entrance to Nethercote Wood for the final approach. Parking for sauna guests is free. Save the woodland entrance directions before you travel.
Warm up in the woodland
Join a shared community session or book the whole sauna for up to six people. Each session lasts 60 minutes, with time to step outside between rounds, use the showers or try the optional cold plunge. Bring swimwear, two towels and water. See what to bring for your first visit.