[1] Start from the Pavilion Cafe, walk straight across the big bridge over the river. Bear left along the riverside path with the river and weir (A) to the left
[2] After about 300 metres turn right onto the main path and continue past the bowls club. At the path 't' junction turn left onto the wide main path. After about 200 metres turn left to exit the park through the ornate gates onto Abbey Park Road.
[3] Turn right out of the park onto Abbey Park Road and continue ahead along the pavement.
Abbey Park Road is busy. There is no need to cross, but keep children well back on the pavement. Take care when crossing the car park entrance.
(B) Across Abbey Park Road you can see the building that was the huge Wolsey hosiery mill, there are also some (closed) ornamental gates back into the park. See the photos.
[4] Turn right just before the canal bridge down the slope to the canal towpath and follow it along, soon passing by Limekiln Lock (C) which is full of interest. See photo and additional information. Pass under a footbridge and then St Margaret's Way.
Take care near the water, especially around the lock, where it is deeper. Also watch out for cyclists.
(D) See the very modern buildings of Leicester College built next to an arm of the canal, originally to load and unload goods but now just for the pleasure of having water nearby.
(E) There is a footbridge here that gives access to the other side of the canal. Usually there is a path along one side of the canal only - the 'towpath'. This was originally the path along which the horses walked that pulled the canal boats in the days before diesel engines.
[5] Go under the arched canal bridge and up the gentle slope to lock 42. This slope has shallow steps. Buggies can be pushed up quite easily, but wheelchair users may need some assistance. Then turn sharply right to reach the pavement, then turn left onto Frog Island
Take extra care passing under the bridge. There is a rail to stop adults falling into the canal, but children could pass through it. Also there may be cyclists coming the other way and there is a blind corner. Watch your head as there is restricted height under the bridge. Again take care near the lock. Take care of bollards on towpath
(F) Another lock. North Lock Number 42. Note that in a long journey there are quite a lot of locks. Boaters had to be (and still have to be) fit!
There is a live music venue and practice room here called 'Lock 42'.
[6] Cross the road at the controlled crossing, and almost immediately turn right onto Slater Street. We are on Frog Island here. It is an island because it is between the river and the canal. The few letters on the big mill ahead are all that is left of 'Frog Island Mill'
This is a busy road. Keep children under control and cross only at the light controlled crossing.
(G) Note that 'Slater Primary School' was originally 'Slater Street Board School'.
Note the now sad factory on the left that was originally built with such pride.
See also the railway arches, now nowhere near a railway. This was the route of the Great Central Railway, an alternative route from London to Leicester and beyond. A bit of it survives and still works as a preserved steam railway between Birstall and Loughborough.
(H) At the end of Slater Street on the right is the Leicester motorcycle speedway, home of the Leicester Monarchs.
[7] At the end of Slater Street turn left along the footpath, do not ascend the slope to the main road but go on to just before the river. Follow the path round to the right to pass under St Margaret's Way, with the river on your left,
[8] After a short distance turn left to cross the river on a concrete bridge then turn right and enter Abbey Park through the archway. (Take care as there is restricted headroom). Continue past the childrens play ground on the left and the river on the right
[9] Turn left through the gates keeping the playground on the left. Continue ahead, passing the playground entrance. Bear right on the main path and, after 50 metres, take the first path on left. which immediately turns right. Continue ahead to pass the rear of the grandstand on the right
[10] After passing the first tennis court turn right and then left to keep alongside the remaining courts. At the end turn right by the table tennis table and follow the left hand side of the fork in the path.. Pass the colourful and fragrant rose garden on the left and walk between the stone pillars
(I) Pets' Corner is on your left. There are rabbits, budgies and such like for children to admire.
[11] As you reach the car park turn sharp right, almost back on yourself to pass through the Abbey Gateway and continue ahead
(J) This may date back to the abbey, or have been built after the dissolution as part of the grand house that took its place for a while (and used some of its stone).
[12] Turn left at the 't' junction onto the main path around the oval to return to the Pavilion Cafe
The oval is sometimes used for cricket; if a match is being played watch for cricket balls.