Your floating hotel on the Canals and Rivers of the UK

Our guide to the waterways of the UK in detail.

Pictures of the Grand Union Canal,

Leicester section.

Norton to Foxton.

This is the Old Union section of the Grand Union Leicester line. It goes from Norton Junction on the Grand Union canal near Braunston through to Market Harborough it is one of the most rural canals in the UK, and has some spectacular features.

All the narrow locks are collected into two flights. The seven at Watford, four of which form one staircase. Unfortunately they are some what spoiled by the noise of the adjacent M1 since road, canal, railway and now the M1 all squeeze through 'Watford Gap' in the hills. . However this is not the case with the other great flight. This is at Foxton and consists of two staircase flights each of five locks with a passing place in between the two flights. It is the longest staircase in the UK, and with the well presented remains of the adjacent inclined plane, attracts thousands of people each year to visit this lovely place in the Leicestershire countryside.

In between the two flights there are two of the longer tunnels of the canals; Crick, 1,528 yards and Husband Bosworth, 1,166 yards. The rest of the 20 mile summit pound winds slowly through the countryside. Very few villages even come near the canal, only one main road crosses it. It provides at least a full days uninterrupted cruise through gently rolling classic English countryside.

Half way along the summit it is also possible to turn off the main line and travel to Welford along the mile long feeder branch with one lock on it. A delightful little excursion providing the chance to stretch your legs and explore this village and its great reservoirs.

One end of this canal is at Norton junction, just a junction between two canals with no community. The other end is on the edge of the busy little market town of Market Harborough. A place of great historical significance in the story of the restoration of the canals, and today the location for pleasant moorings.

This is a great canal to cruise because it contains both some beautiful relaxing countryside with the attractions of the lock flights and the tunnels to provide that extra interest.

Watford locks.	A very rural canal.
	Foxton locks.

More pictures of this canal?

Foxton to Leicester / Foxton to Market Harborough / Welford Arm

A history of this canal. / General information on the canal.

Find our information about other canals on the canal index page.

If you have any questions then do ring us on 07977 229103
or email us at martinreed@reedboats.co.uk