[1] With your back to the sports centre turn right towards the car park, pass the entrance to Abbey Park and take the steps or ramp down to the towpath of the Grand Union Canal.
(A) The Grand Union Canal is Britain’s longest linking London to Birmingham. This short stretch of it bypasses the tricky River Soar to the west of Abbey Park. It starts at North Lock in the Woodgate area and rejoins the river at Belgrave Lock. There is one lock in this section known as Limekiln Lock which is named after lime kilns located at the site of a shoe works. Canal boats brought in coal and took away lime. Destinations for canal barges included London 130 miles and Manchester 145 miles.
[2] At the canal turn left and continue along the towpath with the canal on your right.
Take care when walking along the path - keep away from the edge (possibly using the upper path), especially children, and beware of cyclists who may appear without warning.
[3] After 600 metres, or about 10 minutes walking you will reach Abbey Park Road bridge. Follow the path left up onto the bridge and turn right onto Abbey Park Road. Bear right onto Belgrave Gate at the Belgrave Flyover.
[4] Continue forward passing Leicester College on the right.
[5] Bear right onto Burleys Way at the Burley Flyover and continue forward for about 200 metres to the footbridge.
[6] Turn right onto St John Street and turn left at the top and then take the first right onto Watling Street.
[7] At the end of Watling Street turn left onto Friday Street past the British Legion Club then immediately turn into Abbey Walk and continue over the canal bridge to return to the centre.