Boating along the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line

Boating along the Leicester Line, one of the Midlands' most remote rural waterways, can be a delightfully solitary experience. A long, lock-free stretch is bookended by the staircase flights at Watford and Foxton, where lock-keepers help to keep traffic flowing in summer months. Then, north of Foxton, the canal slowly descends through a succession of wide locks to Leicester and the River Soar.

The sweeping arc of the Market Harborough Arm and the short, wooded Welford Arm are worthwhile diversions. Harborough is a pleasant town with a revived Canal Basin, an excellent spot for overnight mooring. Leicester itself is comparatively short on visitor moorings but has many waterside attractions, including the new National Space Centre and the adjacent Abbey Pumping Station.

The peace of the Leicester Line is disrupted every May by the bustle of the Crick Boat Show. The event, held at a marina between Watford and Foxton, is Britain's biggest narrowboat show.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.