The best walks and hikes around City of Leicester

FAQs about hikes in City of Leicester

• What types of terrain can I expect on hikes in City of Leicester?
  Expect diverse terrain, including paths along the picturesque River Soar and Grand Union Canal, as well as routes through parkland, woodland, and wildflower meadows.


• Are there any historical sites to visit while hiking in City of Leicester?
  Yes, many routes allow you to discover historical gems like the King Richard III Visitor Centre, the medieval Castle Gardens, the Guildhall, and Leicester’s beautiful cathedral, particularly in the Old Town area.


• Where are the best parks for hiking in City of Leicester?
  You'll find excellent hiking opportunities in Abbey Park, Aylestone Meadows, Watermead Country Park, Victoria Park, Braunstone Park, and Western Park, offering varied landscapes and facilities.


• Are there family-friendly or easy hiking options available?
  Absolutely! Many routes are suitable for all fitness levels and feature easily-accessible paths, such as the Abbey Park to Cave's Walk loop, perfect for family outings.


• Can I spot wildlife on hikes in City of Leicester?
  The nature reserves, particularly along the River Soar and within Watermead Country Park and Aylestone Meadows, are havens for wildlife, where you might see green woodpeckers, kingfishers, great crested grebes, and deer.


• What are some of the longest and shortest hikes in the region?
  The longest recommended hike is the Abbey Park – Abbey Park Lake loop from Leicester, spanning 18.64 km. For a shorter option, try the Abbey Park to Cave's Walk loop at 3.57 km.


• What's the best time of year to go hiking in City of Leicester?
  Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and blooming nature. Early autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing leaves.


• Are there walking routes along waterways in Leicester?
  Yes, many rewarding walks follow the banks of the River Soar and the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, offering scenic routes through the city's green spaces.


• What can I do in Leicester city center after a hike?
  After a hike, you can explore Leicester Market, visit cultural sights in St George’s Cultural Quarter, or relax in one of the city’s many cafes.


• What is the general difficulty level of hikes in City of Leicester?
  The majority of hikes in City of Leicester are rated as easy (63 routes), with a good selection of moderate routes (26 routes) for those seeking a bit more challenge.


• Are there any quieter hiking spots or nature reserves away from the city bustle?
  Aylestone Meadows is Leicester’s largest local nature reserve, and Watermead Country Park offers a trio of nature reserves, providing peaceful options to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

A buzzing, historic city centre

Leicester’s centre is a buzzing place to explore and easily reached from England’s other population centres. Its cosmopolitan streets are full of interesting sights, like the Cultural Quarter’s state-of-the-art Curve theatre, which features a curved façade consisting of 150,900 square feet (46,000 m2) of glass.

The city centre was famously the site of a remarkable discovery as recently as 2012, when the remains of King Richard III were discovered under a car park. During your walks around the Old Town, you can visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre to find out more or discover the medieval heart of the city at the picturesque Castle Gardens. Other notable sites in the area include the attractive, timber-framed 14th-century Guildhall and Leicester’s beautiful cathedral.

Soar around the city

Some of the best walking routes around Leicester can be found along the banks of the River Soar and along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal. Stradling the Soar to the north of the city centre is the historic Abbey Park, a lovely 89-acre (36 ha) area with its own boating lake. The park is home to the ruins of the 17th-century Cavendish House and the older remains of Leicester Abbey. To the south of the city centre is Aylestone Meadows, Leicester’s local largest nature reserve.

Further north, the Soar winds through Watermead Country Park’s trio of nature reserves and its many artificial lakes. Popular with walkers, cyclists, birders and watersports enthusiasts, there’s plenty going on. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy an impressive statue on King Lear’s Lake, depicting a scene from the famous play.

The Park is a haven for wildlife, with a wide range of wetland habitats including wild flower meadows, grassland, wet woodland and extensive reedbeds. Some of the meadows are grazed by horses, while the open water provides an important feeding site for winter migrators. Residents include green woodpeckers, great crested grebes, kingfishers and tree creepers.

Greenspaces galore

However, you don’t have to follow a watercourse to find rewarding hikes around Leicester that escape the hustle and bustle of the centre. Superb city views can be sought from Victoria Park next to the University of Leicester. 

In the east of the city, you find two sizeable parks. Braunstone Park’s 168 acres (68 ha) of parkland, woodland, meadows and formal gardens can be linked with the 178-acre (72 ha) Western Park, Leicester’s largest greenspace. Both are home to various facilities, while Braunstone’s two lakes attract a wide variety of wildlife.