With Sarah due to work away from home in Syston near Leicester, and a friend visiting the UK and staying near Bedford, we decided to combine the two and make a little trip of the occasion.

So, we arrived in Syston, and while Sarah went off to work, I went for a cycle ride.

Rothley is actually only a few miles from Syston, however, I created a longer route to make it into a circular cycle ride for a fuller day out.

It was warm, but overcast, as I made my way through Syston and picked up NCN Route 48 on my way to Watermead Country Park.

This brought me on to the Grand Union canal.

Watermead Country Park consists of a network of lakes, woodlands and local nature reserves.

As well as the Grand Union canal, the country park includes a section of the River Soar. The locks below are actually on the river.

We also left NCN Route 48 and joined NCN Route 6.

Leaving the country park I next made my way through the Leicester suburbs.

I followed various local cycle routes.

Passing the Leicestershire County Council offices.

Then, after joining NCN Route 63, I found myself cycling along the Ivanhoe Trail. This first section uses the former Leicester and Swannington railway route.

The path took me under the M1.

I left the trail at Ratby and a little further on cycled through Martinshaw Wood, a lovely little ancient woodland.

Then Pear Tree Wood.

Returning to the roads, I passed Thornton Reservoir. At this point, the rains came down and I had to take shelter.

Leaving Thornton, I cycled on to Stanton under Bardon.

I decided to stop here for lunch. I found the Old Thatched Inn and ordered a pint of tea, as you do.

It was still raining when I left and climbed out of Stanton under Bardon.

A little further along I reached Stoneywell, a National Trust property. I decided to take a look around (which will be the subject of another blog post).

Having enjoyed Stoneywell, it was time to move and complete my cycle ride. So, back on the road, next, I cycled through Woodhouse Eaves.

My route took me past Swithland Reservoir.

By now, the rain was coming down hard.

Thankfully, I was on the outskirts of Rothley and only had a mile or so to go.

We were staying at the Rothley Court Hotel, on the other side of the village.

By the time I arrived back I had cycled nearly 32 miles. Though it had been wet in the afternoon, it had still been a great cycle ride.

You can view my Syston to Rothley cycle route below: