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Leicester - St Margarets Way /Abbey Park/Grand Union Canal

Difficulty Easy

Walking time 45 minutes

Length 2.5km / 1.5mi

Route developer: Lisa McNicoll

Route checker: John Alton

Start location Highcross Shopping Centre
Route Summary This walk starts from the back of the Highcross and goes straight out along a footpath/cycle path to Abbey Park and returns via the canal side and back to the front side of the Highcross.
*move mouse over graph to see points on route
Getting there No details available.
Description

[1] Starting from behind the Highcross Shopping Centre by John Lewis, where Causeway Lane meets Vaughan Way, turn right along Vaughan Way.

[2] At the crossroads with Vaughan Way, Church Gate and St Margarets Way, cross on the set of pedestrian crossings to be on the left hand side of the road on St Margaret's Way (A6). Follow St Margaret's Way going out of town towards Abbey Park. Cross over Sanvey Gate and continue along St Margaret's Way on the footpath/cycle lane.

Beware of cyclists and keep to the pedestrian section of  the pavement

[3] Cross the Grand Union Canal (still on the footpath adjacent to St Margaret's Way). Continue on the footpath to where it meets the river.

[4] Follow the footpath around to the right and alongside the river Soar as the footpath goes underneath the A6. Follow the riverside path until you reach the fence and the first entrance into the park.

[5] Go through the gate and take the first path on the right, Caves Walk. This will take you along side a miniature railway and along the border edge of Abbey Park.

Abbey Park is one mile north of the city centre. If you have more time to explore Abbey Park, there are a number of interesting features, lakes, tea room, model boat club, friendship garden and sculptures to be discovered here.

[6] At the end of the boundary footpath, go through the gate into the car park and take the path immediately left.

[7] Take the steps down onto the canal towpath. Turn right onto the towpath. (Caution: canal towpath may be flooded after heavy rain). Follow the canal towpath until you reach the junction with St Margaret's Way. 

Beware of cyclists at all times and also take care where there are mooring rings on the towpath

[8] Pass under the bridge to rejoin the roadside path on St Margaret's Way and turn right to retrace you steps back to the junction with Vaughan Way. Cross over on the sets of pedestrian lights towards Matalan.

[9] Continue forward into Church Gate and follow this all the way down to the Clock Tower.

Take care crossing St Peter's Lane as traffic turns into here from 3 directions

[10] At the Clock Tower, turn right into High Street and back to the front of the Highcross Shopping Centre.

 

POI information No details available.
Notes No details available.
Acknowledgements

Leicester City Council Website, Abbey Park http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/lc/parks-green-spaces/main-parks/abbey-park/abbeypark/ [accessed 28/12/12].

  • Abbey Park - Caveswalk and miniature railway
    Abbey Park - Caveswalk and miniature railway
    By - John Alton
  • Abbey Park miniature railway
    Abbey Park miniature railway
    By - John Alton
  • The Highcross Centre by the start looking towards St Martin
    The Highcross Centre by the start looking towards St Martin's Square
    By - John Alton
  • River Soar and Abbey Park Pavilion
    River Soar and Abbey Park Pavilion
    By - John Alton
  • Grand Union Canal looking towards Woodgate
    Grand Union Canal looking towards Woodgate
    By - John Alton
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