Lock-free to Foxton and Watford

~ Scenic cruise ~

Cruising pace: 1/5

Holiday: Weekend getaway

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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).

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.)

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.