The Ashby Canal, (or Ashby-de-la-Zouch canal officially, despite never quite reaching the town) is a canal that keeps on giving in terms of flora, fauna and history! Along it’s 22 mile stretch there are no locks, which means no portages along this beautiful stretch either… another win. So what makes…
The Harborough Branch, or Market Harborough Branch, runs from the Leicester Arm at Rainbow Bridge, into Union Wharf on the outskirts of Market Harborough. There are no locks on this stretch but plenty of bridges. These include a swing bridge which can be paddled under or portaged depending on your…
The 24-mile River Soar, or Soar Navigation, flows and weaves its way through the Leicestershire countryside. It provides a lovely day paddle for those who love to just get out on the water. Although the river does flow through Leicester itself, most of the river is actually through the countryside…
Running for 38 miles in the West Midlands, the Coventry Canal is one of the great survivors of the canal network. After heavy bombing during the blitz, it almost didn’t survive. In fact, if it wasn’t for a group of hard working volunteers, the canal would have been lost years…
Meandering through the countryside, the Oxford Canal is a great way of seeing the Oxfordshire countryside. You’ll paddle through pretty little chocolate box villages including Thrupp, Cropredy and Aynhu over the 75 mile stretch of canal with 46 locks. The canal begins in the very centre of Oxford, treating you…
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…
The Grand Union Canal Welford Arm is relatively short with just one lock. This is from Welford Junction on the Leicester Branch of the Grand Union Canal, to a small marina at Welford. Here you can find a variety of amenities. These include a lovely little country pub and separate…
The Birmingham and Fazeley canal is rather typical of many canals. It speaks the language of the industrial revolution and keeps the yesteryear heritage alive. The canal is 15 miles long, has a whopping 38 locks along it, and links to the Coventry Canal at Tamworth. It then climbs its…
The 137-mile Grand Union Canal stretches from Birmingham to London. Along its length it has an impressive 158 locks. Sprawling through impressive, lush countryside, the Grand Union is a great place for a multi-day adventure. It's also a great place for those looking for more of a touring challenging. Flowing…
As the name suggests, the Grand Union Canal Loughborough Navigation forms part of the Grand Union Canal at Loughborough. Just above North Lock at Leicester, the Grand Union Canal becomes the River Soar. The Soar flows from the River Trent at Trent Lock and flows through the city of Loughborough.…
A lock heavy section of canal, the Stratford Canal is a great paddle for those looking to build up their portage strength. OK, we’re joking. But in all seriousness, if you do paddle along the Stratford canal be prepared for a portage or two. This is because this 26 mile…
Grade: 1 (up to 2 in parts in high waters) Distance: 94.8 miles The 3rd longest river in the UK at 185 miles long, the River Trent is one of the major rivers in the Midlands. The river rises in the Staffordshire moors and flows through much of the midlands…
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