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Only one lock (Welford Lock) half a mile before the canal ends.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Welford Arm has transformed from a once-busy industrial waterway to a beloved leisure destination. Its manageable length, serene surroundings, and excellent facilities make it a perfect stop for narrowboaters, widebeam cruisers, and holidaymakers. Walkers and cyclists can enjoy its tranquil path, while anglers and nature lovers revel in its abundant wildlife. Whether you're mooring for the night, exploring the countryside, or simply savouring a drink at the Wharf Inn, the Welford Arm offers a little slice of canal-side heaven.
The Welford Arm provides a delightful cruising experience with its lock-free stretch apart from the Welford Lock near the terminus. Boaters can enjoy the calm, rural scenery as they navigate the canal.
Boater Facilities
Short-Term Mooring: Convenient moorings are available at the Welford Basin.
Services: Refuse disposal, Elsan points, Water, and Toilets are provided at Welford.
Dining Options: At the end of the canal, boaters can enjoy a meal or refreshment at The Wharf Inn, a popular canalside pub.
The village of Welford offers more than just mooring facilities. It boasts a village store and post office for resupplying essentials. Strolling through this picturesque village reveals charming architecture and a peaceful rural ambience, making it an excellent stopover for boaters and visitors alike.
Places of Interest
Welford Reservoir: Located at the end of the arm, this reservoir not only supplies water to the canal but also serves as a serene spot for picnics and bird-watching.
Historic Landmarks: Look out for remnants of the canal’s industrial heritage, such as the original lock mechanisms and bridges.
The towpath of the Welford Arm is a favourite among walkers and cyclists. The path is well-maintained, making it easy to explore the surrounding countryside. With its quiet, pastoral setting, the canal is ideal for those seeking a leisurely walk or a scenic cycling route.
Wildlife and Nature
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Welford Arm’s rich biodiversity. Along the towpath, you may spot:
Kingfishers darting over the water.
Herons stalking fish in the shallows.
Otters occasionally making an appearance, particularly near the reservoir.
Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty of the canal.
Fishing on the Welford Arm
Anglers will find the Welford Arm an excellent location for a relaxing day of fishing. The canal is home to species such as:
Perch, Roach, Bream and Pike
A valid rod license is required, and anglers should check local regulations before setting up their gear.
At just 1.6 miles in length, the Welford Arm is a charming branch of the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, offering an idyllic route for boaters, walkers, anglers, and nature lovers. This tranquil stretch of waterway runs between North Kilworth and the village of Welford, ending at Welford Reservoir. Despite its short length, the Welford Arm is packed with character, history, and opportunities for leisure.
The Welford Arm, a charming and historic branch of the Grand Union Canal, is a testament to the ingenuity of early 19th-century canal engineering. Completed in 1814, this 1.6-mile canal was among the last to be constructed during the golden age of Britain's waterways. Its primary purpose was as a feeder canal, supplying water to the Leicester Line via three reservoirs: Sulby Reservoir, Welford Reservoir, and Naseby Reservoir.
The Welford Arm was engineered under the guidance of Benjamin Bevan, a prominent canal engineer of the time. Bevan played a vital role in designing not only the Welford Arm but also other sections of the Grand Union Canal, ensuring efficient water management across the network.
The project was funded by the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Union Canal Company, which had already overseen the construction of the Leicester Line. The cost of the Welford Arm, though modest compared to larger sections of the canal, was a crucial investment in maintaining water levels at the Leicester Summit, a stretch of canal located between the Foxton and Watford Lock flights.
The Welford Arm served as a lifeline for the Leicester Line, channelling water from nearby reservoirs to sustain its operations. The Grand Union Canal itself was a critical link between southern and northern waterways, facilitating the movement of goods such as coal, wool, and agricultural produce across the country. The Leicester Summit, positioned at the highest point of the canal, required a consistent water supply to support the lock flights at both Foxton and Watford, making the Welford Arm indispensable.
The construction of the Welford Arm brought significant economic opportunities to the small village of Welford, which had previously been reliant on agriculture. With the canal's opening, Welford Wharf became a bustling hub for local trade. Coal, wool, and agricultural produce could now be transported efficiently to markets across the country, while the wharf supplied essential goods to the surrounding area.
Several industries thrived around Welford Wharf, taking advantage of the canal’s accessibility:
Lime Kilns: Seven lime kilns were established at the wharf, the largest concentration along the Grand Union Canal. These kilns burned limestone to produce lime, which was used in mortar for construction and as a soil conditioner in agriculture. Remnants of these kilns are still visible today, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Gravel Quarrying: Gravel extracted nearby was transported via the canal.
Mills and Brickworks: Local mills and a brickworks, located at what is now a marina, contributed to the village’s economy.
Hospitality: The George Inn, now known as the Wharf Inn, opened in 1815 and became a focal point for business and social gatherings.
Notably, the Talbot Inn, mentioned in Charles Dickens’ "Bleak House", was one of seven pubs that once thrived in Welford, highlighting the village's vibrant canal-side community.
By the early 20th century, the rise of railways and improved road transport led to the decline of the Welford Arm, with commercial traffic dwindling. The canal fell into disrepair with several sections were at risk of abandonment. However, in 1969, restoration efforts began, spearheaded by local canal enthusiasts and organisations dedicated to preserving Britain’s waterways. These efforts transformed the Welford Arm into a thriving destination for leisure boating.
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