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Important Notes for visitors:
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 across the Aylestone Meadows.
Specifically:
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.
(Note that in Feb. 2002, after people had complained about the state of this embankment, the local newspaper tried to find out who owned it. Both the British Rail Property Board and the local council denied owning
it, and the paper was still trying to find out). However, the sides are very steep, and in places very high, so it is very easy to slip and get injured. Brambles also grow across the path in places and make passage
difficult. You have been warned !!
Leicester Central Station frontage has commercial occupiers. However the gates are often open allowing a view inside, and if closed have holes in them through which it is possible to spy.
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. However, unless you actually want to do business with the companies 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 and is quite popular, especially with cyclists avoiding the traffic, and hopefully the
pedestrians !
Note that in February 2005 the Leicester Mercury reported that since there was above average crime along the Great Central Way the city council was considering installing security cameras.
Braunstone Gate bridge and viaduct was part of the Great Central Way but is now officially closed and the footpath is diverted round it.
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. I 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 get the best picture, run out of film, 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 visit.
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