4.6
(779)
8,788
hikers
467
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Wanlip are primarily found within the flat, accessible landscapes surrounding the village. The area is characterized by the expansive Watermead Country Park, which features wetlands, open meadows, and artificial lakes. The River Soar meanders alongside Wanlip, with many routes following its course and adjacent canal towpaths. Wanlip Meadows, a nature reserve to the south, adds to the ecological value with its scrapes and wet areas.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.5
(2)
24
hikers
6.89km
01:45
10m
10m
Hike the easy 4.3-mile Watermead Country Park loop, including Birstall Nature Reserve, featuring lakes, wetlands, and wildlife.
5.0
(3)
62
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(3)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
26
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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John Merrick's Lake is one of numerous lakes within the Reedbed Nature Reserve. The reserve is a great place for birdwatching, with wildlife all around you.
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Don't miss out on the knicker boker glory 🙌
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The footbridge crossing the River Soar weir is on the "Purple route" around Watermead Country Park, a beautiful loop of hard surfaced path, with a network of lakes on one side and the Grand Union Canal on the other.
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John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. The red route paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible. They're also shared with cyclists. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.
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John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.
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The footbridge crossing the River Soar weir is on the "Purple route" around Watermead Country Park, a beautiful loop of hard surfaced path, with a network of lakes on one side and the Grand Union Canal on the other.
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One of a number of sculptures inspired by the discovery of mammoth, bison and deer bones discovered in the gravel workings.
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Leicester Windsurfing & SUP club show how to make a storage container look beautiful! Located at King's Lear lake.
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Wanlip offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 280 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 460 hiking tours in the area, catering to various preferences.
Easy hikes around Wanlip are primarily characterized by flat, accessible terrain. You'll find well-maintained paths through expansive meadows, alongside the River Soar, and around the lakes of Watermead Country Park. The area's low elevation gain makes it ideal for relaxed walks.
Yes, the flat and accessible paths within Watermead Country Park are particularly suitable for families. Routes like the Watermead Country Park loop offer gentle waterside paths and plenty of space for children to explore safely.
Many of the easy trails in and around Wanlip are dog-friendly, especially those within Watermead Country Park and along the River Soar. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in nature reserve areas like Wanlip Meadows, to protect local wildlife and grazing cattle.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Wanlip are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Hiking loop from Rothley is an easy circular route that offers a pleasant outing.
Easy hikes in Wanlip offer views of diverse natural features. You can explore the wetlands, meadows, and lakes of Watermead Country Park, follow the meandering River Soar, or observe wildlife in Wanlip Meadows. Nearby attractions include John Merrick's Lake, known for birdwatching, and the expansive Bradgate Park Deer Park a short distance away.
Parking is generally available at various access points for Watermead Country Park, which serves as a central hub for many easy trails. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot.
Wanlip is accessible by public transport, with bus services connecting the village to nearby towns like Leicester. Many trails, particularly those within Watermead Country Park, are within walking distance of bus stops, making them convenient for public transport users.
Wanlip's easy trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and abundant wildlife, while autumn brings beautiful colors. Even in winter, the flat paths are generally accessible, though conditions can be wet in the meadows. Birdwatching is particularly good during overwintering periods.
Absolutely. If you're looking for a shorter outing, routes like the Badobean Coffee Truck loop from Syston, which is about 2.3 miles (3.7 km), or the Badobean Coffee Truck – John Merrick's Lake loop from Syston, at just under 3 km, are perfect for a quick, easy stroll through Watermead Country Park.
The easy trails around Wanlip are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful waterside paths, the abundance of wildlife, and the well-maintained, accessible routes that are suitable for all abilities.
While Wanlip itself is a small village, there are cafes and pubs in nearby areas, particularly around Watermead Country Park and in neighboring towns like Syston or Birstall. Some routes, like those mentioning the 'Badobean Coffee Truck,' even pass by specific refreshment spots.


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