Foxton to Gumley, Smeeton Hill and Foxton Locks 5 or 3 miles (8 or 5km)
Crossing the bottom lock at Foxton
A lovely mix of canal towpath then hilly pasture land. 1 mile canal towpath then gradually uphill to Gumley over pastureland, returning over similar terrain to the canal, then half mile back to Foxton along metalled track. The walk is pleasantly varied offering good views over the Leicestershire countryside.
The route does a figure of eight so you can miss out Smeeton Hill and make it 3 miles
Foxton Locks, a unique staircase of ten locks. You can pause to see the boats going through the locks and visit the museum if you wish when you reach the canal wharf. Cross bridge number 62 to reach the staircase of locks on the far side of the wharf. If you have children with you do please pay attention to the warning sign about deep water and strong currents. You will find toilet facilities here and refreshments are available at the shop, open 364 days a year, and the pub which is aptly named “Bridge 61”. To visit the museum take the track to the right just beyond the pub. The museum is housed in the former boiler house of the Inclined Plane Boat Lift sited between the two flights of five locks.
Please read the introduction to the original book updated for the web published walks.
The written description and map is a .pdf file which you can print and take with you on the walk. Download walk 17 here (.pdf file 200kb)
For more walks in Leicestershire click here
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