Important Notes for visitors to the remains of the GCR through Leicester:
The vast majority of these photographs were taken from places with easy access to the general public, though some were taken from well worn paths on “waste ground” which did not require any fences to be crossed.

The northern part runs through a housing estate, the middle part through an inner city area, and the southern part along the Great Central Way footpath across the Aylestone Meadows.

Specifically:
From Leicester North, the embankment south of Thurcaston road has a well worn path on top.  Although it must be owned by someone, it is highly unlikely that anyone will object to someone walking along it.  However, the sides are very steep, and in places very high, so it is very easy to slip and get injured. Also brambles also grow across the path in places and make passage difficult.  You have been warned !!

Leicester Central Station at street level has been converted to a ten-pin bowling alley.  It is possible to visit, have a game, and have a look round.

At platform level at the station is a small industrial estate.  Although technically private, in the course of their businesses the public require access, so there is usually no objection to anyone walking along and looking and photographing the railway remains, though after a fire in one of the warehouses the north end of the site is fenced off.  Unless you actually want to do business with the companies in the warehouses it is best to avoid them and not point a camera at them lest they think you are an industrial spy (or worse, a tax inspector).

All of the route from Braunstone Gate southwards is part of the “Great Central Way” foot and cycle path.  Many other footpaths have been opened across the fields in this area since the closure of the railway and many of the paths link up with the Great Central Way which is now very popular with dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horse riders.  At nearly every bridge over road, track way, canal, or river there is a path or steps down.  Past concerns about security have been addressed by the installation of several CCTV cameras and the route is well maintained, though the vegetation flourishes.

 

It is possible to walk the whole of this length of track bed and back in one day though that would give a distance of about 10 miles.  To do it full justice and take in the ambiance really requires a couple of days.

 

Finally, this site is for information only and in no way urges anyone to visit or trespass.
I have endeavoured to make all of the information accurate, but cannot be held responsible for the consequences of inaccurate information.  Things do change without announcement and information here may be out of date.
I also accept no responsibility if you get bitten by a mad dog, scratched by thorns, fall down an embankment, get kidnapped by slave traders, get run over standing in the middle of the road trying to find the best view point, run out of memory cards, break down in tears on seeing such a fine railway and national asset ruined by governments with no foresight, or if anything else nasty happens to you.
On the other hand, you may have a very pleasant and memorable visit.

 

© 2001-2025   Text and photographs copyright Nigel Tout, unless otherwise indicated.