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. Although you will be guided through Foxton Locks by a lock-keeper, it can be helpful to understand how the locks work before you arrive:

• The locks are arranged in two 'staircases' of five locks each. Within each staircase, the top gates of one lock are the bottom gates of the next.
• Between one lock and the next, there is a 'side-pond' - a small reservoir off to the side (this makes four side-ponds for each staircase).
• As is standard for a staircase, you move between locks by draining one lock and filling the one below it. However, at Foxton, you will use the side-ponds to do this.
• You will begin by filling the lower lock with water from the side-pond. You do this by opening the red paddle.
• You will then empty the upper lock into the side-pond. You do this by opening the white paddle. Once the two locks are at the same level, the boat can move between them.

Please remember to close both paddles and lock gates as you move through the flight. Stay safe at the locks and ensure that the safety catch is engaged before you wind up the paddle. When following another boat through the flight, you must leave an empty lock chamber between your boat and the one in front.

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.