Cruising From Union Wharf
From Union Wharf Marina you can cruise south through Foxton Locks or north toward Leicester and beyond.
Here are the most popular 3‑, 4‑ and 7‑day routes (Longer hires are also available if you’d like to explore further.).
Southbound Routes
A scenic stretch that takes you through the famous Foxton Locks and into peaceful open countryside.
A lovely stretch of quiet rural canal with easygoing cruising and plenty of places to stop.
Planning your route
It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of where you’d like to cruise. If you still have any questions after looking through our suggested routes, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll happily help however we can.
Useful Tools
You’ll find a Nicholson Waterways Guide on board your boat, which is really handy for checking distances, locks and places to stop along the way.
If you’d like to look things up before you travel, these online tools are also helpful:
- CRT Map – shows the whole canal network and any current notices
- CanalPlan – a popular trip‑planning website used by many boaters
Starting Point – From Union Wharf Marina
Union Wharf Marina sits on the Harborough Arm of the Grand Union Canal in Market Harborough. The postcode is LE16 7UW, and you can find full directions via Google Maps here:
When you arrive, you can park up and pop into reception to check in. Once you’re unpacked, your car can stay safely in our car park for the duration of your holiday, giving you complete peace of mind.
From the marina, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach the famous Foxton Locks. From there, you can choose whether to head north or south — both directions offer peaceful countryside cruising, canalside pubs and plenty of lovely places to stop along the way.
Before you travel, it’s a good idea to check for any planned canal closures or restrictions for your dates on the Canal & River Trust website, just so you know what to expect.
Any Questions? We’re Here to Help
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, or if you’d like a little help choosing your route, please feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help and want you to feel completely confident before you set off.
We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the canals from Union Wharf — it’s a beautiful stretch of waterway and a lovely place to begin your adventure.