4.5
(692)
7,895
hikers
8
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Syston offer access to diverse landscapes, including open parkland, waterways, and gentle hills. The region is characterized by the River Soar, the Grand Union Canal, and a network of lakes and wetlands, notably within Watermead Country Park. Nearby Charnwood Forest introduces more prominent hills, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
21
hikers
6.27km
01:35
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
10
hikers
7.60km
01:58
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
10
hikers
8.15km
02:04
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
4.95km
01:15
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
7.08km
01:48
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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John Merrick's Lake is one of numerous lakes within the Reedbed Nature Reserve. The reserve is a great place for birdwatching, with wildlife all around you.
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Don't miss out on the knicker boker glory 🙌
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The footbridge crossing the River Soar weir is on the "Purple route" around Watermead Country Park, a beautiful loop of hard surfaced path, with a network of lakes on one side and the Grand Union Canal on the other.
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John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. The red route paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible. They're also shared with cyclists. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.
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John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.
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Leicester Windsurfing & SUP club show how to make a storage container look beautiful! Located at King's Lear lake.
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Not sure how often he stops by but lovely coffee and friendly place for a chat with lovely views. benches nearby for a suit down and take in the scenery.
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There are 8 hiking trails accessible from bus stations around Syston, offering a variety of experiences for different fitness levels. You'll find 5 easy routes and 3 moderate routes to explore.
Yes, Syston offers several easy, family-friendly walks. The John Merrick's Lake – John Merrick's Lake loop from Syston is a great option, providing a gentle 4.95 km (3.1 mi) path around the lake, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another easy choice is the John Merrick's Lake – Bridge Over the River Soar loop from Syston, which is slightly longer at 6.27 km (3.9 mi) and features scenic views along the River Soar.
The bus-accessible hikes around Syston primarily feature the tranquil landscapes of Watermead Country Park, with its open parkland, a network of lakes, and wetlands. Many routes follow the scenic River Soar and the Grand Union Canal, offering picturesque waterside paths. You'll also encounter local countryside and green spaces.
Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, meaning you'll start and end at the same point, making them convenient for public transport users. For example, the Lovely Spinney loop from Syston is a pleasant 7.55 km (4.7 mi) circular walk through local green areas.
The bus-accessible trails around Syston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars from over 650 visitors. Reviewers often praise the peaceful waterside paths, the accessibility of the routes, and the opportunities to enjoy nature within Watermead Country Park.
Yes, for those looking for a slightly more challenging walk, the Harris's Marina – Robin in the Garden Center loop from Syston is a moderate 8.02 km (5 mi) route. This trail offers a good balance of distance and varied terrain, taking you past local landmarks and natural features.
While the immediate bus station routes focus on local nature, the wider Syston area is rich in attractions. You can find highlights like Beacon Hill Summit for panoramic views, or the historic Old John Tower and Ruins of Bradgate House in Bradgate Park. These are typically a short journey from Syston, offering further exploration opportunities.
Many of the trails around Syston, particularly those within Watermead Country Park and along the canals, are popular with dog walkers. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife, livestock, and other park users, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
The duration of these hikes varies depending on the route and your pace. The shortest route, the John Merrick's Lake – John Merrick's Lake loop from Syston, can be completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Longer moderate routes, like the Harris's Marina – Robin in the Garden Center loop from Syston, might take around 2 hours.
Absolutely. The area is known for its waterways. The John Merrick's Lake – Bridge Over the River Soar loop from Syston and the John Merrick's Lake – John Merrick's Lake loop from Syston both prominently feature John Merrick's Lake and the River Soar. The Harris's Marina loop from Syston also offers lovely views along the Grand Union Canal.


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