This is a short ride of about 7 miles, following the River Soar NE from Leicester City Centre and what it lacks in distance, is more than made up for with lots of interesting places to visit along the way. The route is flat, mainly traffic free and the path has a good tarmac surface. There are many lakes besides the River and the Grand Union Canal.
From Derby there are several options for travelling to the start at Abbey Park.
If you have a folding bike and a bus pass, the Skylink bus is favourite, although the journey is long, as the bus goes via East Midlands Airport and stops at most of the villages on the way.
Train is quite a good option since there is a frequent service between Derby and Leicester.
Finally, travel by car is pretty direct and parking facilities are good in Abbey Park or nearby.
Directional signing to Abbey Park is good.
We start the ride in Abbey Park at the cafe adjacent to the fine stone bridge which spans the River Soar.
Entrance to Abbey Park. There are other entrances.
A map of the park, which justifies a a ride around it before we commence the ride proper.
See the boating lake.
And there are lots of fine trees in the park and tarmac paths on which cycling is permitted.
The cafe is across this fine multi-arched stone bridge.
There is a good choice of food and drinks at the cafe which occupies the ground floor of this building.
In front of the cafe is this (non too flattering) statue of Cardinal Wolsey, who died at the Abbey in 1530 and is buried in the grounds. The statue is of no historical significance, being funded in recent years by the company Wolsey who make knitted garments such as socks, and pullovers.
The path ahead has the River Soar on the right, and behind the wall on the left are the remains of the Abbey after which the park is named.
The route is well signed but confusing regarding the route numbers. Route 1 is peculiar to Leicester whilst Routes 6 and 48 are National Cycle Network numbers.
Soon we see the National Space Centre, well worth spending a few hours here.
And the Abbey Pumping Station, now a comprehensive industrial museum, also worth a lengthy visit.
This is the rear of he building and the entrance is off the A6 road. Turn left at next road crossing.
The well surfaced path meanders through woods.
The River Soar is never far away and there are several small bridges crossing the tributaries...........
..........and tantalising views of the many lakes.
There are plenty of paths off the main route and these lead to other parts of Watermead Park.
Take this sharp hairpin bend which leads to the Grand Union Canal towpath.
The Grand Union Canal Marina at Thurmaston
This artwork is one of the Sustrans Portrait Benches which are representations of historical local characters, in this case ancient inhabitants who seem to fancy a nice steak for dinner.
Also a reminder of the woolly mammoth whose remains were found hereabouts.
Since there are some many possible routes around the various lakes, the riverside and the canal. there follows a selection of photographs taken at various places.
For more information on Watermead Park click
Here
