This route uses three promoted routes, Leicestershire Round, Ivanhoe Way (very briefly) and the Ashby Canal Path all are waymarked. The Ashby Canal Association base at what was the end of navigation, offers drinks and advice. I rejoined the canal line at the new head of navigation but access by boat is also closed at present. After Ilott Wharf follow the signs along the diversion route not the right of way which follows the abandoned canal line....

Ken

The busy road section was fine, not a walking first choice but the verges were wide and mown and this is the recognised route for the Ivanhoe Way so in the absence of an alternative direct route I’m happy not to fail it. At Snarestone the route misses the canal which is hidden in a tunnel under the village. The section of open road was almost traffic free but then the short link to the canal let the route down, being very wet just before the canal bridge. Shackerstone is about half way and has an inn but if you don’t need it or a seat in the churchyard stay on the canal path to the next bridge....

Ken

A good Leicestershire country walk, two country parks and a bit of canal. A direct field walk is available from Sutton Cheney to Harper’s Hill but that would miss the option for a cafe stop half way. A short pavement walk takes us to the popular Country Park. The road walk along Ambion Lane has a pavement which ends where we take the bridleway. The path to Sutton Wharf is well walked and before flood damage, seen on my visit, it had offered a good surface. Crossing the bridge the path remains signed for ‘The Round’ a walk devised by members of the Leicestershire Footpath Association to mark their centenary back in 1987....

Ken

Quite a lot of stiles, especially in the western half. Sections of it very muddy in winter. Pretty flat generally....

K

Pleasant walk for the majority of the route with a few exceptions. Near the start of the route as the walk heads towards Gallows Lane/Measham Road, the route directly behind the industrial estate could not be found so we had to instead cut across the field (path visible on map) to get to Gallows Lane and then onto Measham Road. It was a shame that we had to miss out the Ashby-de-la-zouch canal but the path was too overgrown to walk through with shorts on!...

Sam Withers

Flat route, two stiles on the Cadeby to Newbold Verdon section, crosses farmland, through woods, village streets and Market Bosworth Country Park....

K

The route strikes out from the market place between the co-op and the imposing former bank. The path continues to Carlton where we leave 'The Round' and take the village street but veer off to avoid passing The Gate Hangs Well. The farm track from here is inviting but not the path which is again across the field to meet the road for a brief walk along the verge, do not cross before the road junction. We meet The Round again here but that heads east and we take a path northwards towards the hamlet of Belcher's Bar....

Ken

A mix of headland and cross field paths over cropped fields. Countryside starts along the track to Lockey Farm Boarding Kennels, the recorded path cuts across one field but there was no sign of use or reinstatement so I stayed on the track. Turning by the closed gates to the kennels we are still along the field headland but even after a dry January the ground was still soft here and again later in the walk there were muddy patches. Crossing a minor road the field edge is some distance so it's across the middle but again well walked, unless you are the first visitor after cultivation....

Ken

I would suggest taking the footpath from Sutton Cheney, south, and then rejoining the route along the much quieter Dadlington to Stapleton road - I will endeavour to check this route in the near future before finalising the proposed new route....

Nick Grain

Generally a good route with the exception of the section on Measham Road between Measham and Snarestone....

ash