3 hours cruising

After your comprehensive boat handling training at the picturesque Union Wharf marina, set off on your narrowboat adventure! Cruise along the Market Harborough Arm of the Grand Union Canal, a peaceful 5-mile stretch of wandering countryside, right in the heart of the East Midlands. Along the way, you’ll need to open Swing Bridge to proceed.

Moor up for the night just before the Foxton basin. Wander up to one of the gastropubs at Foxton Locks for a drink or some dinner. Check out either the Foxton Locks Inn or Bridge 61 for some quality food and real ales.

6.5 hours cruising

Begin your day with a stroll up to the Top Lock Café for a bacon roll and a coffee, admiring the greenery and the world-famous locks. Find a volunteer lockkeeper to book your ascent, and they’ll give you an approximate time. Climb up the longest staircase flight of locks in Britain!

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the stunning waterways and through the 1,000 metre Husbands Bosworth Tunnel. Continue through this winding, beautiful section of the canal until you find the perfect spot to moor up for the night.

6.5 hours cruising

Set off via Crick Tunnel and moor up just before Watford Locks to book your passage down with the lockkeeper. This beautiful flight of locks is fully staffed by volunteers who will help you on your journey. After the locks, at Norton Junction, bear right towards Birmingham, and on through Braunston Tunnel.

There are six locks ahead – complete as many of them today as you would like, before mooring up beside the towpath. Explore the charming village of Braunston, fondly referred to as the Heart of England’s Waterways. Treat yourself to a pub dinner at The Boat House or the Admiral Nelson, said to be haunted by a figure in black!

6 hours cruising

Begin your day by completing Braunston’s locks, then stop for brunch at the quirky floating café moored outside the Stop House, known as Gongoozler’s Rest. Bear right onto the Oxford Canal and cruise a nice, gentle stretch through the sweeping countryside up to Rugby.

Moor up at Bridge 59 and take the short walk into town for a spot of afternoon shopping in Rugby. If you’re not in the mood to browse, there’s the Rugby Museum or some stunning green spaces to enjoy. When you’re finished, cruise on to Green’s Bridge Number 51 and the Newbold visitor moorings to cosy down for the night.

5.5 hours cruising

Set off and then turn around at the winding hole (turning point) after Easenhall Lane Bridge Number 34. Cruise on back down through Rugby and the sprawling East Midlands landscape beyond, pausing en route for lunch.

Bear left at Braunston and complete the locks again. Choose your night-time mooring spot, and then wander into Braunston for dinner at one of the quaint canalside pubs, such as the Wheatsheaf.

5 hours cruising

Start your day off with an adventure through Braunston Tunnel, then moor up just after Norton Junction, remembering to keep left at all times. Enjoy a towpath stroll to the New Inn at Long Buckby, which has a beautiful lock-side beer garden and some delicious food.

When you’re ready, head for the Watford Lock flight and book your passage through with the lockkeeper (remember to check the closing times online). Travel back through Crick Tunnel and moor up shortly after to enjoy a wander into the village for an evening drink or meal.

6 hours cruising

Head through Husbands Bosworth tunnel and moor up at the top of Foxton Locks. Here you’ll need to find one of the lockkeepers to book your descent. While you’re waiting, check out the nearby towpath walks, or the quaint museum.

Once down the flight, continue through two swing bridges, navigating back to Market Harborough. Moor up in the Union Wharf marina and settle into The Waterfront for some great food – in the colder months, they set up outdoor igloos. Alternatively, take a walk into the historic town centre and make the most of the last night of your waterways adventure.