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Well known for Zero locks, navigation takes you through some 61 bridges and 1 tunnel of almost 500 feet in length.
The canal itself averages 25 to 30 feet in width. The narrows are the bridges of which the tightest is only 7 ft with a smidge to spare either side.
It's a dead end, so allow enough time on your journey to go both ways.
Note: Loading Locks & Bridges at the same time on large & complex maps can be cluttered.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Ashby Canal is a hidden gem for canal boaters looking for a peaceful and scenic experience. This canal, stretching through the heart of Leicestershire, is known for its unspoiled beauty, calm waters, and remarkable historical significance. For boaters who crave a slower pace, breathtaking landscapes, and rich natural biodiversity, the Ashby Canal is a dream destination.
The Importance of Ashby Canal for Canal Boaters
The Ashby Canal offers a unique experience for canal boaters because of its serene, lock-free journey through the Leicestershire countryside. Its tranquillity, combined with scenic attractions and a diverse range of facilities, makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced boaters. Whether you’re interested in wildlife spotting, visiting quaint villages, or simply enjoying uninterrupted cruising, the Ashby Canal has something for everyone.
Key Features of the Ashby Canal
Unspoiled Landscape and Natural Beauty: One of the main attractions of the Ashby Canal is its unspoiled landscape. Unlike other busier canals, this one remains largely undeveloped, providing canal boaters with unobstructed views of the countryside. The canal’s gentle curves reveal rolling hills, lush woodlands, and wide-open skies.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The Ashby Canal is a thriving habitat for wildlife. Boaters can expect to see a variety of birds, including kingfishers, herons, and moorhens. The surrounding fields and forests are home to numerous other species, making it a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts.
Exploring Ashby Canal's Scenic Attractions
Scattered along the canal are several attractions that make the journey even more enjoyable. Bosworth Battlefield, close to the canal, is a historic site where the famous Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485. For those interested in history, the Ashby Canal offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
Popular Canal Boating Routes on the Ashby Canal
Short Trip Options: For a weekend getaway, boaters can enjoy a shorter route from Hinckley to Snarestone (approx. 18 miles each way). This route is perfect for beginners or those wanting a quick escape into nature. With its minimal traffic and straightforward navigation, it provides an ideal introduction to canal boating.
Extended Journeys and Hidden Gems
For those with more time, exploring the full 22-mile stretch of the canal from its junction with the Coventry Canal to the end at Snarestone reveals hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages, each with its unique character and charm, along with countless scenic views that make every moment memorable.
Top Mooring Spots along Ashby Canal
Finding the right mooring spots can make or break a canal boating experience (see adjoining list or the map above). Along the Ashby Canal, there are various idyllic spots where boaters can moor, relax, and soak in the natural surroundings. Sutton Wharf is one popular mooring location, complete with nearby facilities and cafe.
Nearby Villages and Towns
The Ashby Canal passes near quaint villages like Market Bosworth, renowned for its cosy pubs and local shops. Towns like Hinckley offer a blend of modern amenities and historical charm, allowing boaters to enjoy a variety of experiences.
Canal Boating Tips for Ashby Canal Travellers
For those new to canal boating on the Ashby Canal, it’s recommended to plan ahead for mooring spots, fuel stops, and waste disposal. Additionally, staying mindful of wildlife, particularly during nesting seasons, helps preserve the canal's natural beauty.
Seasonal Highlights on the Ashby Canal
Each season brings a different charm to the Ashby Canal. Spring and summer showcase vibrant wildflowers along the banks, while autumn bathes the landscape in rich, warm colours. Winter has a special quiet beauty, where frost-kissed mornings make for a serene boating experience.
Snareston Tunnel, 250 yards long, is the last navigable feature before the end of the canal which is just 700 yards further.
Ashby Canal: A Journey through History
Although 31 miles in length, due to coal mining subsidence between Moira and Snareston, there is only 22 miles of navigable canal remaining.
Historical Origins
The Ashby Canal, originally known as the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal, was constructed during the late 18th century. It was designed to link the thriving mining and industrial areas of North West Leicestershire, specifically the coalfields around Moira, to the growing towns and industries of the Midlands.
The Engineer Behind It
The canal's construction was overseen by the eminent canal engineer Robert Whitworth. Whitworth was a pioneer in canal design and played a significant role in the development of several UK canals. His work on the Ashby Canal ensured that it was engineered to high standards, incorporating innovative features of the time.
Industrial Purpose
The Ashby Canal was primarily an industrial canal, established to transport coal and raw materials like limestone, timber, and iron to the burgeoning industries of the Midlands. It played a crucial role in powering the engines of the Industrial Revolution, driving economic growth in the region.
The Ashby Canal played a role in the transport of coal and other raw materials during the Industrial Revolution, and was an important factor in the growth of the local economy. The canal was also used for the transport of goods such as timber, iron, and corn, as well as passengers and livestock.
Transporting Goods
Coal mining was a key industry served by the canal, and it facilitated the transportation of this vital resource to the markets and factories of the Midlands. Additionally, the canal played a central role in moving other goods like lime for agriculture, which was instrumental in improving crop yields. The last profitable commercial owner of the canal was Midland Railway who managed to maintain a profit into the early 1890's after-which it declined.
Decline and Restoration
As with many canals in the UK, the Ashby Canal saw a decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to competition from railways and road transport. However, its significance was recognised, and restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century. Today, the canal is a navigable waterway once more, blending history with contemporary use.
However, the canal faced increasing competition from the railways in the 19th century, and as a result, its use declined. The last commercial traffic on the canal was in the 1960s, and it was officially closed to navigation in 1970.
In recent years, there have been several restoration projects aimed at reopening the Ashby Canal to navigation. Today, the canal is used for recreational purposes such as boating, fishing, and walking, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The canal is also a valuable habitat for a range of wildlife, and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Unique Features
The Ashby Canal boasts a number of unique features that make it stand out among the UK's canals. It's known for its tranquil, lock-free nature, offering an uninterrupted journey through some of England's most beautiful countryside. The distinctive 'snail's-pace' winding holes, designed for the horse-drawn boats of its era, can still be observed along the route.
In Conclusion
The Ashby Canal is more than just a historic waterway; it's a living testament to the industrial heritage of the UK. It stands as a reminder of an era when canals were the lifeblood of the nation's industry, transporting raw materials and goods across the countryside.
As you explore the Ashby Canal and its surroundings, you're not just enjoying the beauty of nature; you're stepping into the past, experiencing the legacy of the Industrial Revolution, and embracing the serenity of one of England's most delightful canals.
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