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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Leicestershire
Charnwood

Barrow Upon Soar

Easy hikes and walks around Barrow Upon Soar

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.

Best easy hiking trails around Barrow Upon Soar

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Barrow Bridge – Barrow-upon-Soar Bridge loop from Charnwood, a 4.7 miles (7.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 54 minutes to complete, offering views along the River Soar.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Hiking loop from Quorn, an easy 4.6 miles (7.5 km) path. This route explores the local countryside with gentle elevation changes.
  • Local hikers also love the Barrow Bridge loop from Barrow-upon-Soar, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail leading through riverside scenery, often completed in about 1 hour 14 minutes.
  • Hiking around Barrow Upon Soar is defined by the River Soar, Grand Union Canal towpaths, and surrounding woodlands and hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy hiking trails.
  • The routes in Barrow Upon Soar are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 700 reviews. More than 7,900 hikers have used komoot to explore Barrow Upon Soar's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 3, 2026

4.8

(5)

30

hikers

#1.

Barrow Bridge – The Navigation Inn loop from Charnwood

7.67km

01:57

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Susie
September 14, 2024, Public & Claude Café

Great coffee and delicious cakes

0

0

garyb
May 11, 2023, Barrow Bridge

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.

0

0

Iain Harber
February 8, 2023, Barrow Bridge

Traffic lights both sides. Nasty little climb up towards the village that will take the wind out of your sails!

0

0

Peter
January 24, 2023, Barrow Bridge

Great spot on the river coming into Barrow via Broadway Meadow

0

0

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.

1

0

Adie
August 15, 2022, Barrow Bridge

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.

1

0

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!

1

0

Adie
August 3, 2022, Barrow Bridge

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.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Barrow Upon Soar?

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.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Barrow Upon Soar?

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.

Are there any family-friendly easy walks in Barrow Upon Soar?

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.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Barrow Upon Soar?

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.

Are there circular easy hiking routes available?

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.

What natural features or landmarks can I see on easy hikes?

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.

Where can I find parking for easy walks in Barrow Upon Soar?

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.

Are there public transport options to reach the trailheads?

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.

What is the best time of year for easy hikes around Barrow Upon Soar?

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.

Are there any pubs or cafes along or near the easy hiking trails?

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.

Are there any easy trails with good viewpoints?

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.

What is the typical distance and duration of easy hikes in the area?

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.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Barrow Upon Soar?

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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