The King’s End Way Cycle Trail

Inspired by the story of King Richard III and the Battle of Naseby, the ‘Kings End Way’ cycle trail traverses the Leicestershire countryside with key stops at places of historic significance and cycle-friendly cafés and restaurants. Aimed at serious cyclists, this 220 mile route is designed to be completed over a number of days, making it the ideal getaway for ‘bikepackers’.

  • 4 Days
    Estimated duration
  • 220 Miles
    Length
  • Mixed
    Grade
  • Cycle
    Type

Route Waypoints

1. King Richard III Visitor Centre

Start your journey at the place where King Richard III was laid to rest. This will be your start and end point for the ride.

King Richard III statue

2. Rutland Water

Just over the Leicestershire border and in the UK’s smallest county is Rutland Water, 12 square km of open water with watersports, cycle routes and 4,200 acres of open countryside!

3. Burrough Hill

A scheduled ancient monument, Burrough Hill holds the remains of an Iron Age fort, whose earthworks can still be seen on top of the 210m hill.

The earthworks of the Iron Age Fort at Burrough Hill

4. Loughborough

One of Leicestershire’s most important market towns with an 800 year old market, shops, cafes, hotels and the historic Great Central Railway. Loughborough is the perfect place to stop for the night!

loughborough statue

5. Staunton Harold Ferrers Centre

Stop off for a coffee at the Ferrers Centre, hosted in the historic 18th century Staunton Harold Estate.

6. Moira Furnace

Just outside Ashby de la Zouch Moira is home to one of the UK’s best preserved industrial revolution era blast furnaces. Cycle routes along the Ashby Canal will take you right past this idyllic scene.

7. Market Bosworth

Bosworth Battlefield is the place where the course of history was changed and King Richard III became the last English King to be killed in battle. Head to the visitor centre to discover the history of this iconic location.

a rusted crown on a spike

8. Stoney Cove

A former quarry which is now one of the UK’s top diving and open water swimming centres, grab a coffee from Nemo’s bar and restaurant and enjoy the views over the water!

9. Naseby

Our second battlefield on the route, Naseby is where the Roundheads defeated the Cavalier forces, ultimately leading to the capture of King Charles I and his trial and execution.

10. Foxton Locks

Take a breather at Foxton Locks and watch the canal boats traverse 10 locks up a 70 foot hill, visit the the Foxton Locks Inn or Top Lock Cottage café for refreshments.

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