Welford, Foxton, Market Harborough and Return (4 day)

Foxton, Market Harborough and Return

~ Waterside escape ~

Cruising pace: 3/5

Holiday: midweek break

Printer-friendly page here

Foxton InnCruise highlights

  • Stunning scenery
  • Waterside terrace restaurant
  • World-famous flight of locks at Foxton
  • Lunch at The Gin & Fizz Waterfront bar

view of grand union canal leicester section from the hire boatAt a glance

  • 30 miles
  • 22 locks
  • 4 swing bridges
  • 2 tunnels
  • Relaxed pace
  • Ideal for first-timers

Suggested itinerary

Monday: 3 hours cruising

  • Comprehensive boat handling training at North Kilworth marina.
  • Cruise south east down the Welford Arm, through a single lock and moor at Welford.
  • Enjoy a drink and at The Wharf Inn before turning the boat round in Welford Basin and returning through the lock, back up the Welford Arm.
  • At the end, turn right, past North Kilworth marina and find a peaceful towpath spot to moor for the night.

Tuesday: 6 hours cruising

  • Cruise through Husbands Bosworth tunnel to the top of Foxton Locks.
  • Moor up to enjoy lunch on the towpath, or buy sandwiches and coffee at The Top Lock cafe.
  • Find the volunteer lock keeper and book your descent through the Foxton locks.
  • Take a right and stop to operate the swing bridge.
  • Find a place to moor on the towpath and return to the Basin.
  • Explore the canal museum and the famous Inclined Plane, or simply enjoy a few drinks and a meal at The Foxton Inn terrace bar (0116 279 1515 to book at busy times).

Wednesday: 6 hours cruising

  • Cruise on through the stunning Leicestershire countryside, operating a road bridge on the way.
  • Arrive at Market Harborough and moor up to enjoy coffee or lunch at The Waterfront Gin & Fizz bar(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.

Thursday: 6 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.

Friday

  • 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 canal (Leicester line), Market Harborough and Welford arms.