Leicester Riverside

Leicester Riverside is an eight mile ribbon of parks, wildlife areas and historic features following the River Soar and Grand Union Canal.

The footpaths and cycle ways along the riverside form an attractive off road route allowing travel between many of Leicester’s visitor attractions such as Castle Gardens, Abbey Park, Watermead Country Park, the National Space Centre or the Abbey Pumping Station. Also within easy reach of the riverside are the new Richard III Visitor Centre and the city centre, making it an ideal route for exploring the city and visiting these attractions by bicycle or foot.

The riverside cycle ways and footpaths provide important links across the city and beyond, and form the backbone of a network that spreads across the city the route 6 national cycleway. It is a key focus for future regeneration in the city.

The riverside is a vital wildlife link and forms green a corridor bringing wildlife into the heart of the city. Species such as otters have started to make their home in the city and a wide variety of wildlife can be seen by those travelling along the riverside paths.

Our Environmental Rangers work with groups and the Leicester Environmental Volunteers to maintain and improve the riverside. The rangers also operate a fleet of boats, enabling people to join in and help keep our waterways clean.

If you are interested in volunteering with Leicester Environmental Volunteers, send us an email at LEV@leicester.gov.uk.