Grand Union Canal Leicester Arm

Grand Union Canal Leicester Arm

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WATERWAYS LICENCES

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Canal Licensing Information

Licence Required?

Yes - included in British Canoeing Membership

License Authority

Canal and River Trust

Further Information

Paddlers require prior permission to paddle through the tunnels on this stretch. Please contact Canal & River Trust before undertaking any passage.

The Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal is one of the longer arms or branches of the canal. The river Soar flows into the Leicester Arm just above the city of Leicester. The canal then continues through the very heart of the city, flowing through sprawling countryside with a variety of open views and enclosed tree tunnels providing ample wildlife to observe. Look out for dragonflies and damselflies, herons and the occasional kingfisher as you paddle along!

There are several tunnels on this stretch, including Saddington Tunnel, Husbands Bosworth Tunnel and Crick Tunnel. Paddlers should not paddle through these tunnels without prior permission from the Canal & River Trust. If you don’t have permission, please portage the tunnels. If you do have permission, make sure you adhere to their tunnel safety rules.

The Leicester Arm eventually joins the main section of the Grand Union canal just above Buckby Locks before continuing south.