The River Soar is a major tributary of the River Trent in the English East Midlands and is the principal river of Leicestershire. The source of the river is midway between Hinckley and Lutterworth. The river then flows north through Leicester, where it is joined by the Grand Union Canal. Continuing on through the Leicestershire Soar Valley, it passes Loughborough and Kegworth until it reaches the Trent at the county boundary. In the 18th century, the Soar was made navigable, initially between Loughborough and the Trent, and then through to Leicester. It was not until the early 19th century that it was linked by the Grand Union Canal to the wider network to the south and to London.
Bridge over the Soar next to the Navigation, Barrow upon Soar
A canalised section of the river in Leicester
The River Soar near Sutton Bonington, where it forms the Nottinghamshire (to the left) — Leicestershire county border.
Floating Pennywort infestation in the River Soar, Leicester
The Trent is the third longest river in the United Kingdom. Its source is in Staffordshire, on the southern edge of Biddulph Moor. It flows through and drains the North Midlands into the Humber Estuary. The river is known for dramatic flooding after storms and spring snowmelt, which in the past often caused the river to change course.
Trent Bridge, with Nottingham in the background
The Trent passes over a man-made waterfall in Hollin Wood just downstream from its source.
Swarkestone Bridge
Newark Castle, Nottinghamshire