The River Soar, also known as the Soar Navigation, flows for 24 miles through Leicestershire, passing through the city of Leicester and numerous villages before reaching Trent Lock on the Nottinghamshire border, where it joins the River Trent. Although the river does pass through Leicester, the majority of the route runs through open countryside and small settlements. The river has 18 locks along its navigable length and is managed in part by the Canal & River Trust.

A waterways licence is required to paddle the Soar. Paddle UK membership covers this waterway and provides access to over 4,500km of waterways in England and Wales for between £29 and £60 per year, representing a significant saving over purchasing licences individually.

A popular starting point is Broadway's Meadow campsite in Barrow upon Soar (Sat Nav: LE12 8XJ), which is owned by Paddle UK and managed by the East Midlands Regional Development Team. The site sits just 10 metres from the river and offers parking for £3.50 for Paddle UK members, with wild camping available for £4.50 per night during warmer months. Portable toilets and a water tap are available on-site from April through September. The Moorings pub, directly across the river, welcomes paddlers who are paying customers, and the Soar Bridge Inn is nearby as an alternative.

The Barrow Loop is a well-established 4km (2.5-mile) circular route starting at The Boat House in Barrow upon Soar, taking approximately 1.5 hours and combining sections of the River Soar with the Grand Union Canal. It is suitable for all craft types and abilities. A longer multi-day option is the Soar Tour, a 32-mile route running from Jubilee Park in Narborough, south of Leicester, to Trent Lock, typically spread over three days with Broadway's Meadow serving as a convenient overnight stop.

Further north, the Normanton on Soar to Stanford on Soar route is a 4.3-mile out-and-back paddle rated as easy, with no locks or portages. It begins at The Plough Inn in Normanton on Soar, where a jetty provides river access beside the pub.

The river supports a healthy population of water birds and is a noted coarse fishing destination. The endangered white-clawed crayfish is also present. The Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, located on the river at Loughborough Road in Leicester, offers sessions for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.