Leicester Ring Route Guide for Narrowboaters

The Leicester Ring is one of the great circular narrowboat routes in the Midlands, linking busy cities, quiet countryside, broad rivers, historic lock flights and characterful canal villages. It is a varied journey, ideal for crews who want more than a simple out-and-back cruise.

This Leicester Ring route guide explains the main waterways, suggested timings, key junctions, highlights and practical planning tips. It is written for leisure boaters who want a friendly overview before setting off, whether hiring a narrowboat or planning a longer private boat cruise.

Leicester Ring route overview

The Leicester Ring is a circular route using several different waterways across the East Midlands and West Midlands. In broad terms, it links Braunston, Leicester, the River Soar, the River Trent, the Trent and Mersey Canal, the Coventry Canal and the North Oxford Canal.

Depending on your start point, the ring usually includes sections of:

• Grand Union Canal Main Line, around Braunston and Norton Junction
• Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, including Watford Locks and Foxton Locks
• River Soar Navigation, through Leicester, Loughborough and towards Trent Lock
• River Trent, for the short connecting river section
• Trent and Mersey Canal, from Derwent Mouth towards Fradley Junction
• Coventry Canal, including the Atherstone area and Hawkesbury Junction
• North Oxford Canal, from Hawkesbury back towards Braunston

The route is rewarding because it constantly changes. One day you may be working through a staircase of rural locks, the next you may be passing through Leicester, and later you could be cruising along a river with open skies and flood meadows.

How long does the Leicester Ring take?

Most crews plan the Leicester Ring as a holiday of around 10 to 14 days. A two-week trip gives a more comfortable pace, especially if you want time for shopping stops, pub lunches, walks, or a detour to Market Harborough.

A faster crew can complete it in less time, but the ring includes plenty of locks and some river sections where conditions matter. If the River Soar or River Trent is running high, you may need to wait until navigation is safe.

When planning your itinerary, allow extra time for:

• Lock flights such as Foxton, Watford and Atherstone
• Possible queues at popular locks during busy periods
• River conditions after heavy rain
• Water, waste and fuel stops
• Short cruising days if you want to explore towns and villages

If you are hiring a boat, check the hire base’s recommended timings. Some bases will advise a minimum number of cruising hours per day for this route.

Which direction should you cruise?

The Leicester Ring can be cruised clockwise or anticlockwise. There is no single best direction, as much depends on your start point, weather, river conditions and personal preference.

Some crews like to tackle the Grand Union Leicester Line and the Foxton area early, while energy levels are high. Others prefer to leave the lock-heavy sections until later and start with the canal miles around Braunston, Rugby or the Coventry Canal.

If river levels are unsettled, it is wise to consider where the River Soar and River Trent fall in your route. Before setting off, check navigation notices and speak to local boatyards, the hire base or Canal and River Trust staff if in doubt.

Key sections of the Leicester Ring

Braunston to Norton Junction

Braunston is one of the best-known canal villages in the country and a popular place to begin or join the ring. It has boatyards, pubs, moorings and a strong boating atmosphere.

From Braunston, the Grand Union Canal climbs through Braunston Locks before reaching the tunnel and Norton Junction. This is a busy stretch, especially in summer, so allow time and be prepared to share locks where appropriate.

At Norton Junction, the Leicester Line heads north. This marks the start of one of the most distinctive parts of the ring.

Norton Junction to Foxton

The Leicester Line is rural, peaceful and full of interest. Watford Locks, close to the M1, are controlled by lock keepers at busy times and include staircase locks. Follow the instructions given and wait your turn if required.

Further north, the canal winds through open countryside towards Foxton. The famous Foxton Locks are among the highlights of the Leicester Ring. The flight is made up of two staircases and is usually supervised, so crews should check in before entering the locks.

Foxton is also a good stopping point. There are visitor moorings, places to eat and the remains of the Foxton Inclined Plane nearby. If you have time, the Market Harborough Arm is a worthwhile detour, offering a pleasant cruise into the town basin.

Foxton to Leicester

After Foxton, the Leicester Line continues through attractive countryside before gradually approaching the city. The route becomes more urban as you near Leicester, but it remains an interesting cruise with plenty of changing scenery.

Leicester is a useful place for supplies and services. Many boaters plan an overnight stop at secure or recommended moorings, then continue early the next day. As with any city mooring, use common sense, secure the boat properly and avoid leaving valuables on display.

The city has plenty to offer if you have time ashore, including shops, places to eat and cultural attractions. For crews on a tight schedule, it is still worth allowing enough time to pass through calmly rather than rushing.

River Soar Navigation

North of Leicester, the route follows the River Soar Navigation. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the ring, but it requires a different mindset from canal cruising.

River sections can be affected by rainfall, current and water levels. Before travelling, check the conditions and look out for warning boards. Do not proceed if the river is in flood or if navigation is not advised.

The Soar passes through or near places such as Mountsorrel, Barrow upon Soar and Loughborough. These make useful stopping points, with pubs, shops and attractive walks in the surrounding area.

On rivers, remember to:

• Keep a careful watch for stream and weirs
• Approach locks and landings slowly and under control
• Use ropes sensibly, allowing for changing levels
• Give other craft plenty of space
• Check weather forecasts before setting off

Trent Lock and the River Trent

Trent Lock is a major waterways junction where the River Soar meets the River Trent and the Erewash Canal is nearby. It is a fascinating place to pause, with plenty of boating activity.

The Leicester Ring uses a short but important section of the River Trent before joining the Trent and Mersey Canal at Derwent Mouth. Treat this section with respect. The Trent is a large river compared with the canals, and conditions can change after heavy rain.

If you are new to river boating, take advice before setting out. Make sure your engine is running well, your crew understands the plan, and your lifejackets are readily available and worn where appropriate.

Trent and Mersey Canal to Fradley

Once on the Trent and Mersey Canal, the ring returns to more familiar narrow canal cruising. This section takes you through a mixture of countryside, villages and historic canal locations.

Fradley Junction is another popular stopping place and a key point on the route. It is where the Trent and Mersey Canal meets the Coventry Canal. The junction can be busy, so take your time, watch for boats turning, and use crew communication clearly.

There are visitor moorings and places to eat in the area, making it a sensible overnight stop if space is available.

Coventry Canal and Atherstone Locks

From Fradley, the Coventry Canal takes you south through a varied and often attractive landscape. The canal passes near towns and villages, but there are also long rural stretches where the pace feels relaxed.

Atherstone Locks are the main lock flight on this part of the route. They are straightforward compared with Foxton or Watford, but they still take time and effort. Starting early can help avoid queues in peak season.

The Coventry Canal eventually leads towards Hawkesbury Junction, also known as Sutton Stop. This is a well-known junction with a tight turn, historic buildings and a stop lock. It is a classic canal location and a memorable part of the ring.

North Oxford Canal back to Braunston

From Hawkesbury, the North Oxford Canal heads towards Rugby, Hillmorton and Braunston. This is a popular cruising area with plenty of hire boats, private boats and long-distance traffic.

Hillmorton Locks are often busy but efficient, with paired locks helping the flow of boats. Rugby is a practical stop for supermarkets and supplies, while the countryside around the canal offers quieter mooring opportunities.

Eventually, the route returns to Braunston, completing the ring. The final stretch can feel satisfyingly familiar if you started there, especially after the variety of canals and rivers along the way.

Suggested Leicester Ring itinerary

Your exact itinerary will depend on your start point and cruising style, but a relaxed two-week plan might look like this:

• Days 1 to 2: Braunston, Norton Junction and Watford Locks
• Days 3 to 4: Cruise towards Foxton, with time for the locks and local exploring
• Days 5 to 6: Continue towards Leicester and prepare for the River Soar
• Days 7 to 8: Travel the Soar Navigation through Loughborough and towards Trent Lock
• Day 9: Navigate the Trent section and join the Trent and Mersey Canal
• Days 10 to 11: Cruise towards Fradley and onto the Coventry Canal
• Days 12 to 13: Continue via Atherstone and Hawkesbury Junction
• Day 14: Return along the North Oxford Canal towards Braunston

This is only a guide. If you want shorter cruising days, add extra time. If you are experienced and happy with longer days, you may choose a tighter schedule.

Mooring and services

The Leicester Ring has a good range of mooring options, but availability varies by season and location. Popular places such as Braunston, Foxton, Fradley and Hawkesbury can fill up quickly during busy holiday periods.

Plan your service stops rather than waiting until tanks are full or water is low. Water points, elsan disposal, pump-out facilities and fuel are available at various places on the ring, but they are not evenly spaced.

Practical mooring tips include:

• Stop earlier in the afternoon if you want a choice of moorings
• Use designated visitor moorings where provided
• Avoid mooring close to lock landings, bridges or bends
• Use pins carefully on soft ground, especially near rivers
• Check signs for time limits and local restrictions

Navigation tips for the Leicester Ring

The Leicester Ring is suitable for many competent leisure boaters, but it is not the easiest first-time route. The mix of staircase locks, city cruising and river navigation means crews should be confident with boat handling and lock operation.

Before you go, make sure you have an up-to-date canal guide or navigation app, plus a backup method if your phone signal or battery fails. Check stoppage notices, especially outside the main summer season.

Useful preparation includes:

• Learning how staircase locks work before reaching Watford or Foxton
• Checking river levels for the Soar and Trent
• Carrying waterproof clothing for lock-heavy days
• Keeping a torch handy for tunnels and evening checks
• Making sure ropes, windlasses and mooring pins are easy to reach

Good crew communication makes the route much easier. Agree hand signals, talk through tricky locks before entering them, and do not rush when other boats are waiting.

Best time to cruise the Leicester Ring

Spring, summer and early autumn are the most popular times for cruising the Leicester Ring. Longer daylight hours make it easier to cover the distance without pressure, and services are more likely to be operating on regular hours.

Summer brings the busiest canals, particularly around major junctions and lock flights. Spring and autumn can be quieter and very attractive, but river levels may be more changeable after rain.

Winter cruising is possible in some periods, but stoppages, shorter days and weather conditions can make the full ring harder to plan. Always check maintenance closures before committing to a winter itinerary.

Highlights not to miss

The Leicester Ring is packed with memorable places. Some of the best highlights include:

• Foxton Locks: A spectacular staircase flight and one of the icons of the canal network
• Market Harborough Arm: A pleasant optional detour if your schedule allows
• Leicester: A lively city stop with useful facilities and attractions ashore
• River Soar villages: Attractive places such as Barrow upon Soar and Mountsorrel
• Trent Lock: A busy and interesting waterways meeting point
• Fradley Junction: A classic canal junction with plenty of activity
• Hawkesbury Junction: Historic, distinctive and great for watching boats manoeuvre
• Braunston: A favourite boating village and a fitting place to start or finish

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Leicester Ring suitable for beginners?

It is better suited to crews with some boating experience. Confident beginners may manage it with good preparation, but the route includes river sections, city cruising, tunnels and staircase locks.

Do I need to book passage through Foxton Locks?

You should follow the local procedure on arrival and speak to the lock keeper when staff are present. At busy times, you may need to wait your turn before entering the flight.

Can I avoid the river sections?

Not if you want to complete the full Leicester Ring. The River Soar and a short section of the River Trent are part of the route, so river conditions must be considered in your planning.

Is the Market Harborough Arm part of the Leicester Ring?

No, it is an optional detour from Foxton. It is popular because it offers an attractive cruise and a useful town stop, but you need extra time to include it.

Where is the best place to start the Leicester Ring?

Braunston is a popular starting point, but hire bases and moorings around Rugby, Market Harborough, Leicester, Fradley and other nearby locations may also work. Choose a start point that suits your travel plans and available time.

Planning your Leicester Ring adventure

The Leicester Ring is a varied and satisfying route for boaters who enjoy a proper journey. It combines famous lock flights, rural canals, lively junctions, useful towns and the added interest of river navigation.

Give yourself enough time, keep an eye on conditions, and plan service stops sensibly. With a flexible schedule and a well-prepared crew, this classic Midlands ring offers one of the most rewarding narrowboat cruises in the country.