1st Phase
2nd Phase
As you may know the Coach Road (between Shepshed and Loughborough) has been closed for a while due to the construction of the Strategic Link Road servicing the new housing. Unfortunately it is not a Public Right of Way and can be closed at any time by the owners without a diversion.
Leicestershire County Council are not responsible to maintain this section of the national cycle route to cyclable standards. Technically it is a public footpath with a permissive agreement for cycling. In due course Persimmon Homes are expected to upgrade it under their planning obligations.
In more detail for Loughborough cyclists (LDCUC) and others:
In the Phase 1 diversion, the path going northwards from the end of Coe
Avenue to Black Brook Way is a narrow unsurfaced footpath, currently
cyclable but it won’t be passable after heavy rain.
This should not be a big problem,
as there are other suitable routes within the residential area to the east;
but these should be signposted as the diversion for cyclists. But the main
problems are along Black Brook Way. The section from Buckingham Drive to
Mount Grace Road is tarmacked but narrow, so conflict between cyclists and
pedestrians, or between cyclists travelling in opposite directions, is
likely. West of Mount Grace Road, Black Brook Way is a very narrow,
unsurfaced path, which is difficult for cycling in the current dry
conditions, and will become totally unsuitable for cycling and wheeling
after heavy rain.
The Phase 2 diversion consists entirely of tracks which are broad enough
for cycling, with surfaces of crushed stone that are not well maintained;
so somewhat uneven but suitable for cycling, although liable to form
puddles and muddy sections after rain. There is a fairly steep climb going
northwards along the eastern leg of the diversion, with a gentler descent
going westwards along Pear Tree Lane.
With thanks to Anthony Kay,
of Loughborough & District Cycle Users Campaign
'The Friends of Garendon Park' will join heritage locations in the town and country to host visitors over the September weekend.
The Park was once the home of the De Lisle family and before that a 12th Century Cistercian Monastery. Information will be shared about the area's history, including how the Hall was used during the 2nd World War. The walks use field and woodlands paths recently opened to the public.
Take a guided walk through the Registered Park and Gardens or follow a self-guided walk. More details will be available in August 2026.
Friends of Garendon Park and
About Garendon Park
Friends of Garendon Park. Oct 2025