Watermead Country Park – Swithland Wood loop from Thurmaston

Mountain biking trails

Watermead Country Park – Swithland Wood loop from Thurmaston

Moderate

riders

Watermead Country Park – Swithland Wood loop from Thurmaston

01:35

28.3km

160m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.28 km

Watermead Country Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Very nice place for a ride

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1.82 km

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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2.23 km

King Lear's Lake

Lake

3.13 km

John Merrick's Lake

Highlight • Natural

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 …

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3.53 km

Hope & Anchor Pub

Highlight • Restaurant

Brilliant food, large portions, can be really busy, but after a walk around the Watermead its a great place to refuel.

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7.42 km

The Brew

Highlight • Cafe

Brilliant little cafe, great stop off on a road ride.

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15.1 km

Beaumanor Hall

Highlight • Historical Site

Brilliant place to hike or bike around. I suggest incorparating Beacon Hill too.

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19.2 km

Swithland Wood

Highlight • Forest

Swithland Wood is a small remnant of the original Charnwood Forest managed by part of the Bradgate Estate. As a small chunk of ancient woodland, Swithland consists of mature oak, …

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19.3 km

Swithland Wood

Highlight • Natural Monument

Swithland Wood (situated directly across the road on the northern side of Bradgate Park) was one of the first disposals of the Bradgate Estate by the Grey family in 1921. …

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