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At each of the 17 locks, there are two mosaic panels that were added to commemorate 200 years of the canal.
There are clues on each one to animals or canal life nearby.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThough short, the Northampton Arm is lock-intensive, with 17 locks elevating or lowering boats by 107 feet. The first 13 locks are concentrated within a single mile, making for a challenging but rewarding stretch. The remaining four locks are more evenly spaced as the canal meanders toward the River Nene.
Several refurbished lift bridges—notably near Locks 5, 10, and 13—add to the charm of this historic waterway.
Boater Facilities
The Northampton Arm provides well-maintained facilities to accommodate boaters:
Mooring: Safe moorings are available near Gayton Junction, along the canal, and closer to Northampton town centre.
Water Points and Elsan Disposal: Found near the locks and at strategic points along the canal.
Nearby Shops and Services: Northampton offers a range of conveniences, from supermarkets to specialised boating supplies.
Sightseeing and Attractions
1. Foxton Locks and Gayton Junction
Begin your journey at Gayton Junction, a key point in the Grand Union Canal network and a gateway to other attractions, including the renowned Foxton Locks, located a short cruise away on the Leicester Line.
2. Northampton Town Centre
The canal ends in Northampton’s bustling centre, offering a mix of historic architecture, modern shopping, and cultural experiences. Visit the Guildhall, 78 Derngate (designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh), and Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.
3. Rothersthorpe Locks
This picturesque flight of locks is a highlight of the Northampton Arm, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the early canal builders.
Drinking and Dining
The Northampton Arm offers plenty of opportunities to relax and refuel:
The Pomfret Arms (Northampton): Just a short walk from the canal, this pub is beloved for its live music, craft ales, and vibrant beer garden.
Local Cafes and Restaurants: Northampton town centre boasts a variety of dining options, from traditional pubs to global cuisine.
The Grand Union Canal Northampton Arm is a charming 4.8-mile stretch of waterway that links the Grand Union Canal at Gayton Junction to the River Nene in the heart of Northampton. With its combination of historical significance, picturesque scenery, and practical facilities, it offers a unique experience for narrowboaters, holidaymakers, and live-aboards alike.
The Northampton Arm was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1794, but construction faced delays due to financial constraints, only commencing in 1814. Designed by Benjamin Bevan, the canal opened on May 1, 1815, providing Northampton with vital access to the national canal network.
The canal was instrumental in transporting coal, timber, grain, and other goods to Northampton, which was then an emerging industrial hub. Its locks, designed for narrow beam boats, allowed the canal to navigate the significant elevation changes between the River Nene and the Grand Union Canal. Over time, it also became a route for agricultural produce and passenger transport.
Despite the rise of the railways in the 19th century, which impacted commercial use, the canal was revived in the 20th century. In the 1960's and 1970's, British Waterways restored and improved the waterway, ensuring its continued use for leisure and tourism.
Why Explore the Northampton Arm?
For narrowboaters, the Northampton Arm is both a peaceful journey and a practical connection to the River Nene. Its historical significance, scenic countryside, and proximity to Northampton's attractions make it a must-visit for those cruising the Grand Union Canal. Whether you're mooring for a few days, exploring on a hire boat, or living aboard, the Northampton Arm offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.
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 3059 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
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Waterside Attractions. We continue to add items on a very regular basis.
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