Saturday 19th September - Watermead Country Park parkrun
Course Description
The course starts in the north eastern corner of the picnic field opposite the main car park.
The route is an anticlockwise lap of John Merricks Lake, turning right after one lap back past the toilet block, along the path bordering the picnic field over the small wooden bridge and then 2 clockwise laps of King Lears Lake.
Facilities
There are temporary toilet facilities at the park, close to the start, also there are plans for a new permanent block in the near future. Additionally, toilets can be found at Leicester North Services in Birstall, the postcode is LE4 3BT, or alternatively at the ASDA Superstore, Thurmaston (LE4 8GN) for those driving in. Both are a five minute drive from the main entrance to the park.
There are lots of walking and cycling routes at the park. There is a junior play trail making for a nice one-mile walk around King Lear’s Lake.
Getting There
Location of start
The event starts in the north eastern corner of the picnic field opposite the main car park.
Getting there by road
The event postcode is not the most reliable way to reach the main entrance to the park, and parkrunners are advised to follow the written instructions below and the brown tourist signs guiding you to Watermead Country Park North.
For participants familiar with the “what3words” location app, the main entrance can be located at hint.thanks.swift whilst the start can be located at bricks.belly.square
From the South, coming from Leicester, take the A607 Melton Rd. After the large roundabout between Thurmaston and Syston (Asda Roundabout) continue north but take the next left slip road following the brown Watermead Country Park signs, this leads to a small island, continue left past the Hope & Anchor Pub on your right hand side and in approx 250 metres the entrance to Watermead North Country Park will be on the left just as the road bends right, back towards the main A46.
There is no direct access to Watermead Country Park Park from the A46.
From the North, head down the A46 towards Leicester. At the Hobby Horse roundabout continue towards Leicester on the A607. A brown sign for Watermead Country Park North directs you first left in front of a car dealership. Turn left at the next roundabout and then left at the next T junction. Continue on this road for ½ mile crossing a small roundabout and passing the Hope & Anchor Pub on your right. Then follow the south approach above.
From further afield, the southern approach leaves the M1 at J21A, follows the A46 until the Hobby Horse Roundabout, then continue as above.
Northern approach leaves the M1 at J22 and heads towards Leicester on the A511/A50. Turn left onto A46 to Hobby Horse Roundabout then continue as above.
Parking: The park operates a pay on exit system using ANPR technology. Please expect delays at busy times exiting the park. Details of current parking charges can be found on the Leicester County Council website.
The main car park is at the bottom of the access road straight in front after passing the gate. A second smaller car park, accessed by the road to the left is out of bounds to parkrunners as it is needed for sailing base patrons and key volunteers only.
If all car parks are full / unavailable the nearest on street parking is in Syston, Thurmaston or Birstall.
Further details
If you have a club shirt please wear this, and we will do a group photo at 8.45am, near the start line, as normal we will cheer all club members home, and if your still energetic after your run, it would be nice to run back and support others.
Many attendees will go for breakfast afterwards, for those who are coming along we will be going to the Hobby Horse Farm Carvery Glebe Way, Syston, Leicester LE7 1BA which is about a 10 drive from the venue.
Many thanks,
JB
