Walks you can reach from Sileby by train

Canal, river, wooded track and roadside footpath.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

2 lunch spots: Wilford Farm (1h30 in), or Dovecote Barn Café (3h in)

Warnings: Short stretch on busy A453.

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

Canal, footpaths and roadside footpath.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

3 lunch spots: the Anchor Inn (1h45 in), the Blacksmith's Arms (2h45 in), or the Moorings (2h45 in)

1 end-of-walk reward: the Boat Inn

Warnings: Last section on busy road.

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

Time: 6h30 (5h walking, 1h30 lunch)

3 lunch spots: Gotham (3h in) — the Sun Inn, the Cuckoo Bush Inn, or the Star Inn

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

Good paths, nature reserve, canal and river.

Waterway: nine tenths beside rivers and canals.

Time: 5h30 (4h walking, 1h30 lunch)

4 lunch spots: Beeston Lock (1h in) — the Riverside Bar, Boathouse Cafe, or Canal Heritage Centre; plus Restaurant Sat Bains (2h in)

Warnings: Check for flooding.

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

Flat and on decent paths.

Waterway: four fifths along the River Soar.

Time: 7h (5h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

3 lunch spots: Birstall (3h30 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.

Flat and footpaths.

Time: 7h (5h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

3 lunch spots: Rearsby (1h45 in) — the Horse and Groom, or the Wheel; plus the Bell Inn (3h15 in)

2 end-of-walk rewards: Wild Bean Cafe, or the Boat Inn

Warnings: Winter flooding possible.

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

Similar walk: Slow Ways (inc. GPX).

Flat, mostly on decent paths and along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal.

Waterway: nine tenths along the River Soar.

Time: 7h30 (6h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Lunch: Nowhere to eat en route — pack lunch!

3 end-of-walk rewards: the Boat Inn, the Navigation Inn, or the Hunting Lodge

Adapted from: the Leicester Ramblers.

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: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

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

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: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

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: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

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.

Some pleasant parts and fine views. A long, challenging walk on well-maintained but largely unsurfaced field paths with many stiles, climbing away from the River Wreake valley with fine views. Includes some road walking and parts with poor or no verge. Crosses the Roman Fosse Way at Six Hills; uses the Leicestershire Round in places. Can be broken at intermediate points.

Time: 9h (7h walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

Lunch: Pubs in most villages but no shops.

Warnings: Several stretches of road have narrow or no verge with fast, constant traffic, including the final approach to Loughborough where a brick wall leaves no room. Numerous stiles, grazing cattle, and unassisted level crossings.

Walk details: Slow Ways.