4.6
(914)
9,087
hikers
511
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Barrow Upon Soar are characterized by a diverse landscape, featuring the tranquil River Soar and Grand Union Canal, alongside nearby woodlands and rolling hills. The area offers a mix of riverside paths, reservoir loops, and routes extending into the Charnwood Hills. This region provides varied terrain for outdoor activities, from flat towpaths to gentle ascents.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.8
(5)
30
hikers
7.67km
01:57
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
hikers
7.45km
01:55
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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29
hikers
4.76km
01:14
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
16
hikers
6.71km
01:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
5.14km
01:19
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A good place to take a breather and watch the boats. Cotes Road and South Street provide a nice, quiet north - south run avoiding the A6 on the other side of the river.
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Traffic lights both sides. Nasty little climb up towards the village that will take the wind out of your sails!
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Great spot on the river coming into Barrow via Broadway Meadow
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The section of Rushy Lane from the reservoir to the farm is rather rough with quite a few holes in the road. This forms part of one of my regular morning cycle routes and the section of Kinchley Lame by the reservoir is quite pretty.
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The bridge crosses the River Soar navigation. Located only a stone's throw from the bridge is the Soar Bridge Inn, a traditional pub popular with boaters and walkers attracted by the picturesque scene.
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This bridge crosses the Great Central Railway which is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other, if you time it right!
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The bridge crosses the River Soar navigation. Located only a stone's throw from the bridge is the Soar Bridge Inn, a traditional pub popular with boaters and walkers attracted by the picturesque scene.
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There are nearly 300 easy hiking trails around Barrow Upon Soar, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. The komoot community has explored over 290 easy routes in the area.
Easy hikes in Barrow Upon Soar primarily feature gentle terrain. You can expect flat towpaths along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal, as well as paths through woodlands and around reservoirs. While some routes may have gentle ascents into the Charnwood Hills, they are generally manageable for an easy rating.
Yes, Barrow Upon Soar is excellent for family-friendly walks. The flat towpaths along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal are ideal for leisurely strolls. Millennium Park, with its wildlife area and recreation space, also offers easy paths suitable for families. Routes like the Barrow Bridge loop from Barrow-upon-Soar provide pleasant riverside scenery.
Many easy hiking trails in Barrow Upon Soar are dog-friendly, especially the towpaths along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal. Millennium Park is also noted as ideal for dog walks. Always ensure your dog is under control, and check for any specific local restrictions, especially around nature reserves or livestock.
Yes, many easy hiking routes in Barrow Upon Soar are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include the Barrow Bridge – Barrow-upon-Soar Bridge loop from Charnwood and the Hiking loop from Quorn, both offering pleasant circular experiences through the local landscape.
Easy hikes in Barrow Upon Soar offer views of diverse natural features and landmarks. You can explore the tranquil River Soar and Grand Union Canal, observe wildlife at the Swithland Reservoir, or visit the Beacon Hill Summit for panoramic views. The area also features ancient woodlands like Swithland Wood and the Barrow Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, known for birdwatching.
Parking is generally available in and around Barrow Upon Soar village, particularly near popular trailheads or local amenities. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on the komoot tour pages, such as for the Barrow Bridge – Rest Spot by the Water loop.
Barrow Upon Soar is served by local bus routes and has a railway station, making it accessible by public transport. Many easy trails start directly from the village or are a short walk from public transport stops, allowing you to reach various trailheads without a car.
The best time for easy hikes around Barrow Upon Soar is generally from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. The riverside paths and woodlands are particularly beautiful during these seasons. However, many paths are suitable for year-round enjoyment, weather permitting.
Yes, Barrow Upon Soar offers several pubs and cafes, many of which are conveniently located near the river and canal. These establishments provide relaxing spots to enjoy views and refreshments after your hike. For example, the The Navigation Inn – Barrow Bridge loop starts near a local pub.
While many easy trails focus on riverside or woodland scenery, some routes offer gentle ascents to viewpoints. The surrounding Charnwood Hills provide opportunities for fine views, and the Beacon Hill Summit, though a slightly longer walk, offers tremendous panoramic views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.
Easy hikes in Barrow Upon Soar typically range from 3 to 5 miles (4.8 to 8 km) in distance. Most can be completed within 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. For instance, the Barrow Bridge loop from Barrow-upon-Soar is about 3 miles and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The easy trails in Barrow Upon Soar are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil riverside paths, the diverse natural features, and the well-maintained routes suitable for all ages and abilities.


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