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Both Narrow and Wide locks plus Canals and Rivers on this amazing waterway circuit.
Locks: Leicester Line = 17, R. Soar = 42, R. Trent = 3, Trent & Mersey = 14, Coventry = 11, Oxford = 4, and Grand Union = 6.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel Aqueduct
The Leicester Ring is a picturesque and varied circular canal route in the heart of England, perfect for adventurous narrowboat holidaymakers. Spanning approximately 154 miles and featuring over 100 locks, this waterway loop combines peaceful countryside, bustling towns, and fascinating canal heritage.
Whether you're hiring a narrowboat for the first time or a seasoned canal cruiser, the Leicester Ring delivers a memorable journey packed with history, engineering marvels, and relaxing rural charm.
The Leicester Ring combines Six key waterways, each offering its own unique scenery and character:
Foxton Locks
The famous 10-lock staircase and Inclined Plane Museum
One of the top canal heritage sites in the UK
Leicester City Waterfront
Urban moorings, riverside parks, and museums
Great for canal-side dining and sightseeing
Fradley Junction
A bustling canal hub with waterside pubs and moorings
Ideal place for a boating break or overnight stay
Trent Lock (Trent Junction)
A meeting point of rivers and canals, perfect for scenic cruising
Looking to hire a narrowboat for your holiday? These locations offer excellent hire boat services along the Leicester Ring:
Canalbreaks Narrowboat Holidays – Rugby
Pillings Lock Marina – Loughborough
Clifton Cruisers – Rugby
Springwood Haven Marina – Nuneaton
The Purple Boat Narrowboat Holiday Hire – Shardlow
Most hire boats come equipped with everything you need: full galley kitchens, bathrooms, heating, bedding, and navigation advice.
Places to Moor, Eat & Explore
With its blend of countryside charm, city stopovers, and rich industrial heritage, the Leicester Ring is the perfect canal holiday destination. Whether you're planning a relaxing week-long voyage or a more adventurous two-week trip, the ring offers something for everyone.
Cruising the Leicester Ring: A Nautical Adventure through English Waterways
Embark on a captivating journey as you navigate the scenic waterways of the Leicester Ring, a canal route that seamlessly weaves together natural beauty, historic landmarks, and the charm of canal life. This aquatic odyssey promises a unique and tranquil exploration of England's diverse landscapes.
Setting Sail - Gateway to the Midlands
The Leicester Ring canal route serves as a gateway to the heart of England, offering a picturesque journey through the Midlands. Setting sail from the Grand Union Canal in Leicester, boaters are greeted by a network of interconnected waterways that lead to a myriad of destinations.
Navigating the Waterways
As you cruise through the Leicester Ring, you'll navigate a series of canals, including the Grand Union, Leicester, Trent and Mersey, Coventry, and Oxford canals. Each stretch unveils its own character, from the bustling urban scenes to the serene countryside vistas.
Scenic Highlights - Foxton Locks
A focal point of the journey is the renowned Foxton Locks, a flight of ten staircase locks on the Grand Union Canal. Marvel at the engineering ingenuity as you ascend or descend this flight, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of cascading water.
Bosworth Battlefield
History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Bosworth Battlefield, where the decisive Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485. Immerse yourself in the historical significance of the area before continuing your aquatic voyage.
Canal-Side Villages - Quaint Stopovers
The Leicester Ring presents numerous opportunities to moor up and explore charming canal-side villages. From the character-filled streets of Market Harborough to the historic architecture of Warwick, each village offers a delightful interlude, inviting boaters to discover local pubs, quaint shops, and friendly communities.
Authentic Pub Experiences
No canal journey is complete without indulging in the hospitality of canal-side pubs. Along the Leicester Ring, you'll encounter a plethora of traditional inns, where you can moor your boat, enjoy a hearty meal, and share tales with fellow boaters.
Nature Retreats - Tranquil Countryside
As you cruise through stretches of the Leicester Ring, the canal is enveloped by serene countryside. The meandering waterways take you through rolling hills, open fields, and nature reserves, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Wildlife Encounters
Keep a lookout for the abundant wildlife that calls the canals home. Swans gracefully glide alongside your boat, ducks paddle in the shallows, and, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a kingfisher darting through the water.
Practical Tips - Canal Etiquette
Respect the tranquillity of the canals by adhering to canal etiquette. Maintain a leisurely pace, be mindful of other boaters, and ensure you follow lock procedures diligently for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Planning Your Route
Consider your preferred route and plan your itinerary accordingly. Whether you opt for a circular journey or a linear route with a return leg, meticulous planning ensures you make the most of your Leicester Ring cruising experience.
Conclusion
Cruising the Leicester Ring is more than a nautical adventure; it's a voyage through England's diverse tapestry. From historic landmarks to idyllic countryside, every twist and turn of the canal unveils a new facet of the country's beauty. So, cast off the moorings, embrace the gentle pace of canal life, and let the Leicester Ring be your aquatic pathway to discovery in the heart of England.
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:
Waterways Resources -
Boat Build & Fit Out -
Waterside Attractions. We continue to add items on a very regular basis.
Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.
