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The canal runs from Foxton to Market Harborough and is lock free.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductToday, the Market Harborough Arm thrives as a destination for holiday narrowboaters, live-aboards, and visitors seeking tranquillity and history. It is known for its calm waters, well-maintained facilities, and convenient access to the town's amenities. Boaters can enjoy the scenic cruise through rolling countryside, with ample mooring opportunities along the way.
Mooring and Boater Facilities
Union Wharf Marina: Situated at the end of the arm in Market Harborough, this modern marina offers secure mooring, water points, electrical hookups, and pump-out facilities. It also serves as the base for narrowboat hire, making it an ideal starting point for canal holidays.
Foxton Junction: Located near the canal's connection to the Leicester Line, Foxton Junction offers additional moorings and easy access to the iconic Foxton Locks.
Places of Interest
The Market Harborough Arm is dotted with attractions that appeal to both boaters and land-based visitors.
Foxton Locks
At the arm’s junction with the Leicester Line, the Foxton Locks are a must-see landmark. The flight of ten staircase locks is a marvel of engineering and the largest such system in the UK. Visitors can also explore the nearby Foxton Inclined Plane Museum, which tells the story of the innovative, though short-lived, solution for bypassing the locks.
Market Harborough
This charming market town offers an array of attractions, from historic architecture to modern conveniences:
Union Wharf Basin: A beautifully restored area with moorings, a cafe, and shops.
The Waterfront Restaurant: Located at Union Wharf, this canalside venue is popular with boaters for its excellent food and relaxed atmosphere.
Market Harborough Town Centre: A short walk from the canal, the town boasts independent shops, historical sites, and a lively market.
Nature and Scenery
The canal is surrounded by peaceful countryside, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching and leisurely strolls. The rural landscape offers a sharp contrast to the vibrant town, providing a serene escape.
The Market Harborough Arm of the Grand Union Canal is a picturesque 5.5-mile branch connecting the bustling town of Market Harborough to the Leicester Line at Foxton Locks. With a rich history and enduring appeal, this canal stretch is a favourite for narrowboaters, walkers, and cyclists, offering a peaceful journey through idyllic Leicestershire countryside.
Historical Origins and Development
The Market Harborough Arm was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1805 and completed in 1809. Originally intended to extend further to Norton, the ambitious plan was curtailed after reaching Market Harborough, despite earlier agreements between engineers Thomas Telford and James Barnes.
The canal was designed by Benjamin Bevan, whose expertise ensured the branch would become a vital link for the transportation of goods. Construction relied heavily on manual labour, with workers using basic tools such as picks and shovels to carve the canal through the landscape.
Initially, the canal served as a lifeline for the market town, facilitating the transport of coal, timber, and agricultural produce. Goods flowed from the surrounding farmland to larger markets in London and other cities, while inbound materials supported the town’s growth.
However, like many waterways, the Market Harborough Arm faced stiff competition from the railways in the 19th century, leading to a decline in commercial traffic. By the mid-20th century, it had fallen into disrepair, but restoration efforts in the 1960's and 1970's revived this charming stretch, transforming it into a leisure and tourism hub.
Why Visit the Market Harborough Arm?
The Market Harborough Arm stands out as a gem of the Grand Union Canal network, offering a perfect blend of history, recreation, and modern convenience. Whether you’re exploring the Foxton Locks, enjoying the hospitality at Union Wharf, or simply cruising through the tranquil countryside, this canal branch provides an unforgettable experience.
Its rich history, easy access to Market Harborough, and superb boater facilities make it an excellent choice for narrowboaters, whether you're on a short holiday, a long-term journey, or living aboard.
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3048 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
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