Paddlepoints: Paddle the Barrow Loop via the River Soar

The Barrow Loop is a gentle, picturesque paddle trail for all types of craft and abilities, starting and ending in the delightful Barrow Upon Soar. (Waterways licence required. Find out more: https://paddleuk.org.uk/waterways-licences/).

Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Time: 1.5 hours
Sat Nav: LE12 8XJ
What3Words: ///clocked.tested.deleting

Find the full route for the Barrow Loop on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/rivers/river-soar/

We began the Barrow Loop from Paddle UK’s Broadway’s Meadow campsite in Barrow Upon Soar, Leicestershire. The land belongs to Paddle UK and is managed by the East Midlands Regional Development Team, is well situated to give access to sections of the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal. Paddle UK members can park there for £3.50. During warmer weather you can also wild camp for £4.50 a night.

Broadway’s Meadow has a water tap on-site and portable toilets between April and the end of September. The site is the perfect place to get on to the River Soar, as it is only 10 metres away. It’s a fantastic Paddle UK member benefit.

The Moorings pub across the river also welcomes paddlers. However, the landlord told us he would expect anyone who accesses their car park, toilets, and launch point to be a paying customer. There’s also the Soar Bridge Inn across the road as an alternative for food and drink.

We were joined by Hayley, from Leicester Outdoors Pursuits Centre, and her friend Ali. They both knew the Barrow Loop (managed by the Canal & River Trust) route well and gave us tips as they guided us along.

The Barrow Loop is the location for the ‘legendary’ Barrow Race. It’s a friendly informal race, ideal for anyone who wishes to enter a paddling competition. We got on the Soar just off the campsite before paddling underneath the Barrow Road bridge. Rather than continuing on the Soar, we paddled left towards the Grand Union Canal.

About 100m from where we started, we had to portage around Barrow Deep Lock. We got out at Prunell Walk and walked across Proctor’s Park Road bridge. We joined the canal towpath and found a suitable place above the lock to launch our SUPs and kayaks. We continued along the canal for about 600m until we reached Mill Lane Bridge. On the left is the Navigation Inn, and on the right is Barrow Boating. Both places have toilet facilities, and refreshments are available. About 200m from here is Barrow New Weir.

We portaged on the right-hand side and walked down the steps to get back on the River Soar. The river passes under the A6 and meanders through the beautiful countryside before reaching the pretty village of Quorn. From our vantage points, we could see thatched cottages and traditional stone buildings. There were a few hazards to look out for as we continued. The main issue was a sunken boat, possibly caused by heavy flooding during the winter.

We headed back underneath the A6 as the trail looped around before paddling on to where we started near the campsite. Once changed and packed up, we headed over the bridge and had a lovely lunch at the Moorings pub.

A Paddle UK membership covers you to use this waterway. Find out more at: https://paddleuk.org.uk/membership

To watch the guys in action, check out our video: https://youtube.com/shorts/5pABk_uVivE?si=Wy1tMoIHDSx6kTVq