There’s nothing more glorious than being out in the sunshine with a fresh breeze and getting away from the everyday. Living in Leicester, my favourite cycling route goes through different stages. First there’s some city cycling through Victorian terraced back streets before turning into River Park and over a low wooden bridge. The hustle of the road is soon lost as the cycle path winds through the trees until suddenly you join the Soar Valley Way.

After the leafy confines of the park, and the bustle of the city streets, the moment of getting out onto a straight, clear, smooth trail is fabulous. The real magic, however, is the transformation of people’s interaction along the way. Everyone smiles and says hello – the dog walkers, parents with pushchairs and whole families on their bikes. The peace found here is only thanks to the closure of the Great Central Way – nearly fifty years ago trains would have been rushing up and down this line. The path takes you under Victorian cast iron bridges and over the Grand Union Canal. On the return route you can cut onto the towpath, and if you’re lucky, while you avoid the banks you might spot a kingfisher.

Before heading home I always cycle on to the lively Queens Road, park my bike up outside one of the cafes, like Salvador Deli, and gradually re-climatise to the real world with the help of a hot chocolate and one of their amazing brownies.

Photo courtesy of weegeebored on Flickr