Lock-free to Foxton and Watford
~ Scenic cruise ~
Cruising pace: 1/5
Holiday: Weekend getaway
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Cruise highlights
- Picturesque landscape
- Canalside pub stops every day
- Explore Foxton and Watford locks without effort
At a glance
- 40 miles
- Entirely lock-free
- 4 tunnels
- Suitable for novices
Suggested itinerary
Friday: 3 hours cruising
- Comprehensive boat handling training at North Kilworth marina.
- Cruise through Husbands Bosworth tunnel (wide enough for two narrowboats to pass) to the top of Foxton Locks.
- Turn round (“wind”) just after going under the Gumley Road Bridge (No 60.)
- Moor up and walk down the towpath to explore the canal museum and famous Inclined Plane.
- Finish the day with a meal in the bar or restaurant at Foxton Locks Inn (0116 279 1515 to book at busy times).
Saturday: 7 hours cruising
- You can buy breakfast rolls and coffee at the top and bottom of the locks to ease yourself into the day.
- Set off back the way you came, back through Husbands Bosworth tunnel.
- Cruise back past North Kilworth Marina, mooring up for a towpath lunch
- Continue on through this winding and unspoilt section of the canal until you reach Bridge 12 at Crick, where you can moor up for the night and enjoy a meal at The Moorings (www.mooringscrick.co.uk or 01788 822517 to check food serving times in the winter.)
Sunday: 7 hours cruising
- Head on through Crick tunnel (wide enough for two narrowboats to pass.)
- Go under five more bridges until you can turn at the Winding Hole just after Ashby’s Bridge (No 7), immediately before Watford Locks. Moor up and have a little explore – it’s a beautiful flight of locks with stunning views.
- Go on back through Crick tunnel and moor for a spot of lunch wherever takes your fancy. If a pub is more your style, The Knightley Arms (01788 823555) is a short walk from Skew Bridge (No 19) at Yelvertoft.
- Moor up at North Kilworth Marina for the night.
Monday
- Enjoy a final breakfast aboard, before vacating the boat by 9.30am.