The Canals and Rivers Trust have on-line mapping of the waterways network, and are encouraging canal users to add useful facilities to the map.
As well as asking boaters to map mooring points, pump-out facilities etc, they are encouraging walkers to show access points to the towpath – it is not always certain that the towpath can be accessed from a road or path crossing it.
I have volunteered getting this information on to the map for Leicestershire, and am seeking assistance to complete this exercise – no time limit, but it sounds like an excuse for some gentle summer strolls, or as part of a circular group walk.
I have almost completed the canal within Leicester City, and have volunteers already to continue southwards to Market Harborough, and to cover the Grantham Canal. The routes left are therefore :
Soar Navigation from Birstall northwards to the River Trent
Grand Union Canal southwards from the foot of Foxton Locks to the County Boundary neat Welford (plus the Welford Arm)
Ashby Canal from The Limekilns Near Burbage to the end north of Snarestone Tunnel
Please get in touch if you would like to check any length of the above waterways, however short, and I will supply a skeleton spreadsheet for you to complete and a map of the length of canal.
I have identified potential access points, and would like to know whether the access is level, via a slope, or via steps, or whether there is in fact no access at this point – the CRT will explore the possibility of remedying this if it would be useful for walkers. If you find any more access points which look well-used, please feel free to add them to the list.
Regards Stan Warren Email: sjwarren01@outlook.com