Just before our eldest son left home to become a Junior Solider, we headed out with Floss (our fluffy rescue dog) looking for somewhere a bit different to walk. Everard’s Meadows had been recommended to us so we started to explore.
Parking at Everard’s Meadows is free for up to 3 hours. Everard’s Meadows is 70 acres of wildlife haven green space linking Route 6 on the national cycle network, the grand union canal and the river soar. These routes head into the north of Leicester City and the countryside to the south. Blaby Heritage walk route 11 is a great extension of our little trip.
We have uploaded the route to AllTrails, where a map view shows the 5km walk.
The Route
Setting off from the car park, between the coffee shop and the brewery, you head down through the nature reserve.
- All of the trails appear to arrive at the same bridge so don’t worry which one you choose.
- Cross over the river soar on the large metal bridge and you arrive at the canal.
- Don’t cross over the little hump bridge but walk down the few steps on your left to the tow path.
- We enjoyed a lovely stroll along the canal watching the narrow boats through the locks and admiring the water birds.
- You head underneath the A563 and continue along until you reach the Kings Lock (Lock 38).
Kings Lock tea room is a delightful independently run tea rooms, with a serving hatch to the rear of the building. The construction of Kings Lock Cottage began around 1795. It was originally a small simple 2 up 2 down dwelling and was the residence of the lock keeper until 1972.
At least 9 lock keepers and their families lived at the cottage over its 200 year purposeful use. The longest serving was Mr George King 1852-1892 hence the name Kings Lock.
They serve a super cup of coffee which we enjoyed with a light brunch, before retracing our steps back to to the car.
If you wanted to extend your walk, Aylestone Meadows is Leicester’s largest city nature reserve and features a mosaic of pasture, trees and river margins. Long horn cattle are often grazing.
Chris, Joe and I thoroughly enjoyed this walk, and have returned several times since. It is super handy if you want to combine getting some fresh air with a shopping trip. Sainsbury’s and Fosse Park are ideal. The canal is peaceful and relaxing and I hope you enjoy this too.
Very best
Emily-Jane
Other places
This was a lovely walk to the Kings Lock tea rooms, and there are a number of other places to visit in the area:
- Bike hire from Rutland Cycles
- Jennos coffee shop
- Everard’s Brewery for tours, breakfast, lunch and evening meals (the flight of beer is a real tasting treat)