The 24-mile River Soar, or Soar Navigation, flows and weaves its way through the Leicestershire countryside. It provides a lovely day paddle for those who love to just get out on the water.
Although the river does flow through Leicester itself, most of the river is actually through the countryside and villages. As you paddle along, little pub gardens lead down to the waters edge, providing useful pit stops!
It’s a great place for a paddle with family and friends with little in the way of rapids or other potential hazards. There are just a few weirs to portage or shoot.
Wildlife on the River Soar
Flowing for 24 miles with 18 locks, the river has a healthy population of wildlife including many water birds. It is a popular river for coarse fishing also.
The River Soar is also home to the endangered white-clawed crayfish, so have a little look below as you paddle through the beautiful scenery.
For those looking for a short, circular route, the Barrow Loop is a 2.5 mile ‘round route’ starting at The Boat House in Barrow upon Soar. Download the Barrow Loop Paddle Trail in the useful links section below.
