Duration: 7-10 nights
TOTAL LOCKS: 64
CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 6-8 HOURS PER DAY
TOTAL CRUISING TIME: 56 HOURS
Tackle a flight of ten locks in two staircases, one of the finest examples of Victorian canal engineering, with a museum and canalside pubs to hand.
Work your way up the Watford staircase locks, then glide through Crick and Husbands Bosworth tunnels on the Leicester Line.
Stop at one of the most recognisable waterway villages in the country, with a historic boatyard, traditional pubs and a famous canal junction.
Finish on the quiet Market Harborough Arm and moor up in a welcoming market town of independent shops, pubs and cafés.
Step aboard for a fascinating narrowboat adventure from Fenny Compton Marina to Market Harborough and back, following a historic network of waterways that helped shape Britain's industrial past. This route is perfect for those who enjoy discovering the engineering marvels of the canal system, from impressive lock flights and historic tunnels to traditional canal junctions and bustling waterside communities.
Leaving Fenny Compton Marina, you'll head north along the South Oxford Canal towards Napton Junction before joining the Oxford Canal and continuing towards Braunston. One of the most interesting destinations along this stretch is Braunston, a village with a particularly rich canal heritage. Once an important meeting point for working boats and canal traders, Braunston remains one of the most recognisable waterways destinations in the country. Its historic boatyard, traditional pubs and famous canal junction make it a wonderful place to experience the atmosphere of Britain's working canal network.
At Braunston Turn, join the Grand Union Canal and continue towards Norton Junction, where you'll take the Leicester Line. This marks the beginning of a particularly memorable section of the journey, featuring some of the most impressive examples of canal engineering in the Midlands. As you travel north, you'll pass through the Watford Locks, a fascinating flight of staircase and conventional locks that demonstrates the ingenuity of the engineers who created these waterways. Further along, you'll navigate the historic Crick Tunnel, followed by the longer Husbands Bosworth Tunnel, offering a real sense of the scale and ambition behind Britain's canal-building era.
One of the biggest highlights of the cruise is the magnificent Foxton Locks. This remarkable flight of ten locks, arranged into two staircase flights, is one of the finest examples of Victorian canal engineering. Originally built to overcome the steep hillside, the locks remain an impressive sight and a popular gathering place for boaters and visitors. Nearby, you can explore the Foxton Canal Museum, discover the history of the abandoned Inclined Plane Boat Lift and enjoy the traditional canalside pubs and cafés. It's an ideal opportunity to stop, stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the waterways.
Beyond Foxton Locks, the journey continues along the Market Harborough Arm, a quieter and more secluded stretch of canal that offers a lovely contrast to the impressive engineering encountered earlier. Following the winding waterway through open countryside, you'll eventually arrive at Market Harborough Wharf, your destination for the cruise. This historic market town has a welcoming atmosphere, with attractive streets, independent shops, traditional pubs and cafés. The wharf itself provides a lovely setting to moor up and enjoy a little time away from the boat, while exploring the town's heritage and local attractions.
After enjoying all that Market Harborough has to offer, retrace your route back towards Fenny Compton, experiencing the remarkable waterways engineering from a different perspective. Pass once again through the impressive Foxton Locks, navigate the historic tunnels and follow the winding canal network back through Braunston and towards Napton. With its fascinating industrial heritage, extraordinary engineering landmarks and historic canal communities, this journey offers a completely different kind of narrowboat adventure, celebrating the ingenuity, history and enduring character of Britain's inland waterways.
Your journey takes you to the historic town of Warwick, home to the magnificent Warwick Castle, with its impressive towers, ramparts and beautiful grounds. Explore the town's historic streets, browse independent shops and enjoy a meal in one of its welcoming pubs or cafés. Combining beautiful countryside, history and heritage, this is a wonderful canal adventure.
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