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East Midlands
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Charnwood

Thurmaston

Easy hikes and walks around Thurmaston

4.5

(571)

6,659

hikers

411

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Thurmaston offer access to natural landscapes, primarily defined by the River Soar and Watermead Country Park. The area features a network of lakes, wetlands, and generally flat terrain, making it suitable for accessible walks. Paths often follow the River Soar and canal towpaths, providing varied scenery for outdoor activities.

Best easy hiking trails around Thurmaston

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Watermead Country Park loop, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This route follows surfaced paths around the park's lakes.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Badobean Coffee Truck loop from Thurmaston, an easy 4.7 miles (7.6 km) path. This route features minimal elevation changes and offers views of the surrounding parkland.
  • Local hikers also love the Badobean Coffee Truck loop from Syston, a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) trail leading through Watermead Country Park, often completed in about 56 minutes.
  • Hiking around Thurmaston is defined by the River Soar, Watermead Country Park, and canal towpaths, with a landscape of lakes and wetlands. The network offers options for both easy family walks and more moderate hikes.
  • The routes in Thurmaston are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. More than 6,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Thurmaston's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

4.5

(2)

25

hikers

#1.

Watermead Country Park loop

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.

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Easy

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

🚵‍♂️ Eric 🚲
February 26, 2026, Wooly Mammoth in Watermead Counrty Park

The life-sized Woolly Mammoth sculpture in Watermead Country Park, Leicester, sits atop a small hill overlooking "Mammoth Lake". Built to commemorate Ice Age remains found during quarrying, it is a popular, accessible landmark for walkers and cyclists along the River Soar, with a 1-mile, pushchair-friendly circuit.

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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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Adie
December 15, 2022, John Merrick's Lake

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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Adie
December 15, 2022, John Merrick's Lake

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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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Thurmaston?

Thurmaston offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 250 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails provide accessible options for exploring the local natural landscapes.

What makes hiking in Thurmaston suitable for easy walks?

The area around Thurmaston is characterized by its generally flat terrain, particularly within Watermead Country Park and along the River Soar and canal towpaths. This landscape, featuring a network of lakes and wetlands, provides ideal conditions for leisurely and accessible walks with minimal elevation changes.

What natural features or attractions can I expect to see on easy hikes near Thurmaston?

Easy hikes around Thurmaston often feature the scenic River Soar and the expansive Watermead Country Park, which includes various lakes like King Lear's Lake and Mammoth Lake. You might also encounter highlights such as John Merrick's Lake, or even the Bradgate Park Deer Park a little further afield, known for its wildlife and historical sites.

Are the easy hiking trails around Thurmaston suitable for families with children?

Yes, many of the easy hiking trails in Thurmaston are ideal for families. The flat, well-maintained paths, especially within Watermead Country Park, make them accessible for all ages. Routes like the Watermead Country Park loop are popular choices for a family outing.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Thurmaston?

Most easy hiking trails in Thurmaston, particularly those within Watermead Country Park and along the River Soar, are dog-friendly. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserve areas, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

What is the typical duration for an easy hike in Thurmaston?

The duration of easy hikes in Thurmaston varies, but many popular routes can be completed in under two hours. For example, the Watermead Country Park loop typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the Badobean Coffee Truck loop from Syston can be completed in under an hour.

Are there many circular easy walks in Thurmaston?

Yes, Thurmaston offers several excellent circular easy walks. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular options include the Watermead Country Park loop and the Badobean Coffee Truck loop from Thurmaston.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Thurmaston?

The easy hiking trails around Thurmaston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible paths, the varied scenery of lakes and rivers, and the peaceful atmosphere of Watermead Country Park.

Are there any easy hikes that offer views of the wider Leicestershire area?

While most easy hikes directly in Thurmaston focus on the flat river and parkland, some routes in the broader area, such as those near Bradgate Park Deer Park, can offer elevated viewpoints. These might include sights like Old John Tower, providing panoramic views across Leicester and Leicestershire.

What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Thurmaston?

Easy hikes in Thurmaston can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the generally flat and well-surfaced paths remain accessible, providing a peaceful experience along the River Soar and through Watermead Country Park.

Are there any easy routes that pass by a coffee shop or cafe?

Yes, some popular easy routes are known for passing by convenient refreshment stops. For instance, the Badobean Coffee Truck loop from Thurmaston is specifically named for its proximity to a coffee truck, offering a perfect break during your walk.

Where can I find parking for easy hikes in Thurmaston?

Parking is generally available at key access points for Watermead Country Park, which is the central hub for many easy hikes in Thurmaston. Specific car parks are usually signposted near the park entrances, making it convenient to start your walk.

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