Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Barrow-upon-Soar

Bike touring routes & trails

Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Barrow-upon-Soar

Moderate

5.0

(2)

riders

Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Barrow-upon-Soar

02:23

34.0km

420m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

523 m

The Navigation Inn

Highlight • Pub

Outdoor seating, right on the river soar. Canoes/kayaks can be moored here. Delicious roasts with brilliant vegan option, and a good selection of beers/ales. A must visit.

Tip by

7.35 km

Swithland Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

Swithland reservoir, built around 1896, is about a mile long by half a mile wide. The Great Central Railway divides the reservoir into two. There is no access to the …

Tip by

7.90 km

Rushey Lane Bridge Over Great Central Railway

Highlight • Cycleway

This bridge crosses the Great Central Railway which is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines …

Tip by

10.3 km

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Highlight • Pub

Stop for Lunch

Tip by

16.6 km

Beacon Hill Multiuse Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Road bike to Mountain bike, this hill is for all. the ground is slightly loose so put your weight towards the back for traction, especially on a road bike but otherwise have fun!

Tip by

26.6 km

Swithland Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Swithland Reservoir is a stunning reservoir and is one of the biggest ones in Leicestershire. They say it has over 200 bird species and is a proper little hotspot for birdwatchers.

Tip by

27.0 km

Buddon Wood

Forest

27.8 km

View of Swithland Reservoir from Kinchley Lane

Highlight • Viewpoint

The stretch of road in Kinchley Lane going past Swithland Reservoir is a super nice biking stretch, mainly tree-lined, but you will still get some good reservoir views here and there.

Tip by

29.3 km

Cocklow Wood

Forest

33.2 km

The bridge crosses the River Soar navigation. Located only a stone's throw from the bridge is the Soar Bridge Inn, a traditional pub popular with boaters and walkers attracted by the picturesque scene.

Tip by

34.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types