The best walks and hikes around Kingston On Soar

Yes, there is a wide variety of options. You can explore over 500 hiking routes in the region, ranging from easy riverside strolls to more challenging hill walks.

The trails around Kingston on Soar are highly regarded by the komoot community, which includes over 9,000 visitors. The routes have earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with hikers often praising the mix of peaceful riverside paths and scenic views from the low hills.

Absolutely. Many routes are designed as loops so you can end your walk where you started. For a shorter loop that still offers lovely scenery, consider the View from Cuckoo Bush loop from West Leake, which is an easy 5 km walk through the nearby hills.

Yes, the banks of the River Soar are a key feature of many local hikes. The towpaths provide flat and peaceful walking conditions. A great option for a longer riverside walk is the View of the River Trent – Kegworth Shallow Lock loop from Kegworth, which follows the water for a significant portion of the route.

Many of the trails, especially those with wide-open fields and along river towpaths, are great for walking with dogs. However, always be mindful of livestock in agricultural areas and keep your dog on a lead where required. Some local pubs are also dog-friendly, allowing you to stop for a rest with your companion.

The region is well-suited for family outings, with many flat and easy trails. The paths along the River Soar are particularly good for walkers of all ages. For a dedicated family-friendly nature experience, the nearby Attenborough Nature Reserve offers a network of accessible paths around its lakes and is a fantastic place for spotting birds and other wildlife.

For the best panoramic views, head for the trails in the West Leake Hills. From these higher points, you can get expansive vistas across the Trent Valley towards Gotham and Nottingham. The View from Cuckoo Bush – View of Agricultural Fields loop from West Leake is a moderate route that takes you across the hills and through open fields, offering some of the best viewpoints.

Several trails incorporate views of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station. While an industrial site, its imposing structure creates a unique and striking contrast with the rural landscape. Walks in this area often combine paths along the River Soar with trails that circle the perimeter of the power station, offering a different kind of scenery.

Yes, you can find several pubs in the villages dotted around the walking network, such as Kingston on Soar and Kegworth. These make for a perfect stop for lunch or a drink. Planning your route to pass through one of these villages is a great way to break up your hike.

Yes, the area is accessible via public transport. Nearby towns and villages like Kegworth have bus services and a train station, which can serve as starting points for many walks. From there, you can easily connect to the local footpath network.

Parking is typically available in the villages that serve as trailheads, such as Kingston on Soar, West Leake, and Kegworth. You can often find on-street parking or small village car parks. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends and park considerately.

The varied terrain is excellent for trail running. The flat towpaths along the River Soar are ideal for a fast, level run, while the undulating paths of the West Leake Hills provide more of a challenge with some elevation gain. Many of the circular hiking routes are also popular with local runners.