Canal Holidays guide to the Leicester Ring
This pleasant and leisurely two week cruise on rivers and canals
covers four counties in the East Midlands.
The route includes 5 tunnels, several aqueducts, and
flights of 'staircase' locks.
Distance, Time, and Locks
157 miles, about 75 hours cruising, 102 locks The Ring can be covered
in two weeks, which may also give time to explore the Ashby and
Coventry Canals. Several sections provide out-and-back routes suitable
for one week or short breaks.
 Cruising
the Ring
Starting in the Rugby area it is a short trip through farmland
to the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Turn left to Braunston Locks
and Tunnel before turning at Napton Junction onto the Leicester
section of the Grand Union Canal. This peaceful canal through open
countryside is noted for its 'staircase' locks.
After the lock keeper assisted flight at Watford there
are 22 miles of isolated waterway with villages and pubs to explore.
Two long tunnels lead to Foxton and a short branch route to Market
Harborough. At Foxton climb the famous 10 lock staircase (lock keeper
assistance), and visit the remains of the inclined plane once used
to haul boats up the embankment in iron tanks.
 Travel
on to Leicester city, where the River Soar joins the canal, meandering
through Loughborough and Barrow on Soar to Redhill Lock where it
meets the River Trent. A short cruise upstream on the wide River
Trent is a fascinating contrast before reaching the Trent and Mersey
Canal at the restored inland canal village port of Shardlow.
At Burton on Trent, centre of the brewing industry
and home to many varieties of ale, the locks change from broad to
narrow. The rural route continues down the Coventry Canal through
Atherstone to Rugby. If time, detour into Coventry to see the Cathedral.
View Map
Boaters Comments
NEW: View the Leicester Ring in Google Earth and find the locations of boat bases, sightseeing attractions, canal features and get driving instructions
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