Foxton, Market Harborough and Return (3 day)

Foxton, Market Harborough and Return

~ Canal explorer ~

Cruising pace: 5/5

Holiday: weekend getaway

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Foxton LocksCruise highlights

  • Spectacular flight of locks at Foxton
  • Waterfront restaurants, cafes, bars
  • Husbands Bosworth tunnel
  • Heritage museum

Countryside from Foxton to Market HarboroughAt a glance

  • 25 miles
  • 20 locks
  • 4 swing bridges
  • 2 tunnels
  • No experience necessary

Suggested itinerary

Friday: 3 hours cruising

  • Comprehensive boat handling training at North Kilworth marina.
  • Cruise through Husbands Bosworth tunnel to the top of Foxton Locks.
  • 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: 6.5 hours cruising

  • Find the volunteer lock keeper and book your descent through the Foxton locks, checking the lock opening times on www.foxton-lock-keepers.wixsite.com/foxton-locks/boaters. You can buy breakfast rolls and coffee at the top and bottom of the locks.
  • Take a right and stop to operate the swing bridge.
  • Cruise on through the stunning Leicestershire countryside, operating a road bridge on the way.
  • Arrive at Market Harborough and moor up to enjoy lunch at The Waterfront (01858 434702).
  • Allow 3 hours to return to the bottom of Foxton Locks, through the road bridge and moor up for the night on the towpath.

Sunday: 6.5 hours cruising

  • Cruise through the final swing bridge and into the Basin.
  • Find the volunteer lock keeper and book your ascent through the Foxton locks, checking the lock opening times on www.foxton-lock-keepers.wixsite.com/foxton-locks/boaters.
  • Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the waterways, navigating back through Husbands Bosworth tunnel.
  • Moor up at North Kilworth Marina for the night.

Monday

  • Enjoy a final breakfast aboard, before vacating the boat by 9.30am.

Please check that your route isn’t affected by any canal closures before you travel, using the following link:

Live updates on canal closures and restrictions on the Grand Union (Leicester line), Market Harborough and Welford arms.