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The Leicester Line is a very popular holiday attraction for canal boaters along its entire length.
The navigable River Soar permits travel beyond Loughborough and onto the River Trent (about 5 miles South West of Nottingham).
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is a picturesque and diverse stretch of waterway that offers a delightful escape for narrowboaters, whether they’re holidaymakers, live-aboards, or boat owners. Winding through the heart of England, this line connects Norton Junction near Daventry to Leicester and beyond, offering stunning countryside, vibrant towns, and historical landmarks. For boaters, it’s a journey of discovery, relaxation, and adventure.
The Leicester Line, part of the wider Grand Union Canal network, is celebrated for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. From rolling hills and wooded landscapes to bustling market towns, the canal offers a varied experience. Narrowboaters will appreciate its:
Peaceful Mooring Locations: Ideal for those seeking quiet overnight stops.
Navigational Features: Including the famous Foxton Locks, a marvel of canal engineering.
Whether you're hiring a boat for a week or live aboard year-round, the Leicester Line promises a memorable journey.
The Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is more than just a waterway; it’s a journey through history, engineering, and natural beauty. For narrowboaters, it offers a blend of practical facilities, historical intrigue, and tranquil cruising through some of England’s most scenic landscapes. Whether you're navigating its locks, exploring its vibrant towns, or simply mooring up to soak in the surroundings, the Leicester Line promises an unforgettable experience.
Highlights Along the Leicester Line
Foxton Locks
No trip along the Leicester Line is complete without a visit to the Foxton Locks, a series of 10 locks arranged in two staircases. This engineering masterpiece is accompanied by the Foxton Inclined Plane Museum, where visitors can learn about the innovative (though short-lived) lift that once bypassed the locks. With a cafe and pub nearby, it’s a perfect stop for boaters.
A short arm off the Leicester Line leads to Market Harborough, a charming market town. Moor up at Union Wharf, which offers excellent facilities for boaters, and explore the town’s boutiques, restaurants, and the Harborough Museum, showcasing local history and canal heritage.
Wistow Rural Centre
Located near Kilby Bridge, this delightful spot offers a unique shopping and dining experience. Boaters can moor nearby and enjoy a visit to the Wistow Maze (seasonal) or browse the artisan shops.
Leicester City
At the northern end of the canal, Leicester offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern attractions. Highlights include:
The King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Leicester Cathedral, where the king's remains are interred.
A variety of restaurants and pubs along the waterfront.
Crick
Close to Norton Junction, the village of Crick is home to the annual Crick Boat Show, a major event for canal enthusiasts.
The Leicester Line is dotted with excellent pubs and restaurants, perfect for boaters looking to relax after a day of cruising. Some standout options include:
Bridge 61 at Foxton Locks: A cosy canalside pub with a welcoming atmosphere and hearty meals.
The Navigation Inn at Kilby Bridge: Known for its friendly service and great food.
The Waterfront Restaurant and Bar at Union Wharf: A stylish spot for dining in Market Harborough.
Boater-Friendly Facilities
The Leicester Line is well-equipped for narrowboaters, with essential services along the route:
Moorings: Designated mooring spots are available at locations like Foxton Locks, Union Wharf, and Kilby Bridge.
Water Points and Elsan Disposal: Regularly spaced to ensure easy access.
Fuel and Pump-Out Services: Available at Union Wharf and other key points.
Maintenance and Repairs: Market Harborough and Crick are popular spots for servicing your narrowboat.
Modern-Day Uses and Attractions
Today, the Leicester Line is a haven for narrowboat holidaymakers, live-aboards, and owners, offering an array of mooring locations, facilities, and sightseeing opportunities.
The Leicester Line is steeped in history, from its industrial roots to its role in shaping the Midlands’ economic landscape. Key sites include:
Foxton Inclined Plane Museum: A testament to Victorian innovation.
Leicester City: The canal's northern terminus, home to the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and vibrant cultural attractions.
Mooring Gems for Narrowboaters
Foxton Locks: A scenic and bustling spot with access to cafes, a museum, and a pub.
Union Wharf, Market Harborough: Well-maintained moorings with all necessary facilities.
Kilby Bridge: A quieter, rural location perfect for a peaceful overnight stay.
Why Cruise the Leicester Line?
For narrowboaters, the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is an inviting mix of history, nature, and modern conveniences. It offers a slower pace of life with opportunities to explore charming towns, enjoy excellent dining, and immerse yourself in canal heritage. Whether you're hiring a boat for a short break, cruising as a live-aboard, or venturing out on your own vessel, the Leicester Line is a destination that caters to all.
Plan Your Journey on the Leicester Line Today
From the engineering wonders of Foxton Locks to the vibrant attractions of Leicester City, the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is a waterway that combines the best of England’s countryside and urban charm. Perfect for narrowboaters of all types, it’s a route filled with memorable experiences. So, moor up, relax, and let the Leicester Line guide you through its treasures.
The Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, a 66-mile waterway stretching from Norton Junction in Northamptonshire to Blackfriars Bridge in Leicester, seamlessly blends rich history with modern recreational appeal. Linking Leicester with the national canal network, the Leicester Line and the adjoining River Soar were pivotal in the industrial growth of the Midlands.
A Tale of Two Canals
The Leicester Line we know today was formed from the union of two historic waterways:
The Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Union Canal (L&NU), designed to connect Leicester to the Grand Junction Canal.
The "Old" Grand Union Canal, which served as an additional route for industrial goods in the region.
In 1894, both canals were acquired by the Grand Junction Canal Company, which undertook major improvements to enhance their functionality. This included extensive dredging and the construction of the now-iconic Foxton Inclined Plane, a bold but ultimately short-lived innovation to streamline canal traffic.
Engineers and Construction
The Leicester Line owes much of its development to visionary engineers such as Benjamin Outram, who spearheaded the L&NU Canal project. Authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1794, construction began soon after, relying on labour-intensive methods involving manual work and horse-drawn equipment. The canal officially opened in 1799, marking a significant milestone in connecting Leicester to the Grand Junction Canal at Norton Junction and subsequently to London.
The Leicester Line has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, when it was built to connect the industrial Midlands with London. The canal was originally designed to transport coal, textiles, and other goods, and many of the locks and bridges remain as testaments to this industrial past. The Foxton Inclined Plane, in particular, stands out as a symbol of Victorian ingenuity, though it operated only briefly before being replaced by the locks we see today.
The Foxton Inclined Plane, constructed in 1900 by engineer Gordon Cale Thomas, was a revolutionary solution to bypass the Foxton Locks, reducing water usage and allowing faster passage. However, it was decommissioned in 1911 due to maintenance costs and operational challenges.
The Foxton Locks: A Must-See Marvel
The Foxton Locks remain a centrepiece of the Leicester Line and a must-visit destination for narrowboaters and canal enthusiasts. The locks consist of two staircases, each with five locks, separated by a middle pound, which allows boats to pass midway. Ingeniously designed side pounds reduce water usage, ensuring the locks operate efficiently.
Adjacent to the locks are the remnants of the Foxton Inclined Plane, now a site of historical intrigue with an accompanying visitor centre and museum. There are even plans to restore the inclined plane, offering a glimpse into this feat of Victorian engineering.
Market Harborough Arm: Leading to the charming market town of Market Harborough, with its Union Wharf Marina, boutique shops, and dining options.
Welford Arm: A peaceful detour leading to the village of Welford, perfect for quiet moorings and countryside exploration.
Mooring Gems
Decline and Revival
Like many canals, the Leicester Line faced competition from the railways during the 19th century, leading to a decline in commercial traffic. However, its significance as a transportation route for goods such as coal and building materials sustained it into the 20th century. In the mid-20th century, the canal fell into neglect until the British Waterways Board undertook restoration efforts in the 1960's and 1970's. Their work dredging the canal, repairing locks, and improving facilities paved the way for its current popularity as a leisure destination.
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