The River Soar at Kegworth and Zouch
Route facts
Waterways:
River Soar »
Distance: 14 km / 8.5 miles
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Circular route from: Kegworth Shallow Lock, Leicestershire
Discover one of Britain's most beautiful waterways with this pleasant ride through the River Soar valley, following the river path and quiet country roads. Parking is easy and there are two waterside pubs en route. This route is just eight miles long.
The ride follows the River Soar Navigation, which - as the Loughborough Navigation - was once the most profitable waterway in Britain. The river has been navigated since Roman times, and its meandering course is deservedly popular with boaters. But with good provision for cyclists and walkers, you can enjoy the Soar from the towpath, too.
Getting there
Parking: There is a public car park at the start/end point of the ride.
Waypoints
1. Kegworth Shallow Lock
Park your car at the car park on the eastern side of Kegworth Shallow Lock. Wheel your bike back to the bridge, cross over, then head north on the towpath. Continue for a mile and a half until you meet the main road bridge.
2. Ratcliffe Bridge (A453)
Leave the towpath here. Don't join the main road, but instead, turn left to follow a track a short distance to the north-west until you reach a right-angled bend in a road. Turn left here along the road, and follow Long Lane back towards Kegworth, until you reach a crossroads.
3. Kegworth
Turn left at the crossroads. Continue back to the River Soar, where you started. But this time, turn right, and head south down the towpath past Kegworth Deep Lock. Continue for three miles, past Zouch Lock and a small footbridge, to Zouch Road Bridge.
4. Zouch Road Bridge
Turn left onto the A6006. Continue for 300 yards, then turn left. Cycle along the road, which runs parallel to the railway, through Sutton Bonington, past the Old Plough and the King's Head. After passing the church, turn right at the phone box, and over the railway bridge.
5. Sutton Bonington Railway Bridge
Cross the railway bridge and turn left. Cycle past the School of Agriculture, then turn left at the crossroads. After crossing the railway again, you will return to Kegworth Shallow Lock - and your car!
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