Walks from Leicester

Canal towpath and cycle greenway. Route ends at Leicester Cathedral where Richard III's remains were interred in 2013.

Waterway: three fifths along the Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line).

Time: 2h30–5h30

Walk details: Walk Midlands (tips, photos and local insights).

Flat and on decent paths.

Waterway: four fifths along the River Soar.

Time: 5h30–11h

3 lunch spots: Birstall (3h30–7h in) — the Earl of Stamford, the Old Plough, or the White Horse

2 end-of-walk rewards: the Corn Exchange, or the Rainbow and Dove

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

An almost entirely flat, easy walk: roadside pavements at the Leicester end give way to wide, level tarmac and cycle-path towpaths along the Grand Union Canal and River Soar and with short diversions over grass and wooded paths between lakes. Short grassy stretches can be soft and muddy in winter. Follows Sustrans Route 48 along the canal. Note Abbey Park is locked at dusk (around 6pm in winter); it can easily be walked around.

Waterway: three quarters along the River Soar.

Time: 3h–6h

Lunch: A café by the bridge at Abbey Park, and a café and museum at Belgrave Hall Gardens.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A mostly off-road, fairly direct walk through farm fields, local meadows, canal towpath and the tree-lined Great Central Way old railway line, staying green for much of the way into the city. Good underfoot and with one short uphill section and some steps; shared with cyclists. Uses the Great Central Way. Train links at both ends make a walk-there, train-back option easy.

Time: 3h–5h30

1 lunch spot: King's Lock Tearoom

Warnings: The path between Whetstone and Littlethorpe can flood after prolonged rain or melting snow, with an electric fence constraining the path. Bike barriers limit access at a few points. Castle Gardens are locked at dusk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.