Boating the Leicester Line

Find boating information for the Leicester Line

Leicester Line

Length	41.2 miles
Locks	41

Maximum boat dimensions

Norton Junction to Foxton

Length	21.79m	71ft 6"
Width	2.12m	6ft 11"
Draught	1m	3ft 3"
Headroom	2.28m	7ft 6"

Foxton to Kings Lock

Length	21.95m	72ft
Width	3.05m	10ft
Draught	1m	3ft 3"
Headroom	2.23m	7ft

Kings Lock to Leicester

Length	24.1m	79ft
Width	3.05m	10ft
Draught	1m	3ft 3"
Headroom	2.13m	7ft

Grand Union Canal main line maximum dimensions

Opening times

Foxton Lock Flight
Please ensure you have booked in with the lock keeper before you enter Lock 1or 7. The lock keeper will either be on the flight, or in the Top Lock Keepers Hut.
If you enter the locks without booking in, you may be required to back out, as other boats may be working the flight.
Please follow any advice given by Trust representatives on site.
1 Jan - 29 March 2025
- Opening 9:30am
- Last boat in 3pm
30 March - 28 June 2025
- Opening 8am
- Last boat in 5pm
29 June - 13 September 2025
- Opening 8am
- Last boat in 6pm
14 September - 25 October 2025
- Opening 8am
- Last boat in 5pm
26 October 2025 - 28 March 2026
- Opening 9:30am
- Last boat in 2.30pm
Watford Locks
1 Jan - 29 March 2025
Opening 9:30am Last boat in 3pm
30 March - 28 June 2025
Opening 8am Last boat in 5pm
29 June - 13 September 2025
Opening 8am Last boat in 6pm
14 September - 25 October 2025
Opening 8am Last boat in 5pm
26 October 2025 - 28 March 2026
Opening 9:30am Last boat in 2.30pm
Saddington Tunnel
- All wide beam boat passage through Saddington Tunnel must be booked in advance so that the tunnel can be closed to other boat traffic. This is managed at either end of the tunnel by colleagues or volunteers to ensure safe passage.
- Passage is available Monday to Friday.
- Bookings can be made by phone on 0303 040 4040, selecting the option for the East Midlands region. Passage needs to be booked 48 hours in advance online or through the regional customer support team, which is available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Or send an email to [email protected]
- Wide beam boats must be ready at the entrance of the tunnel for 7:45am prompt. On arrival please wait for instructions from the Trust representative before proceeding through the tunnel.
- We kindly request a minimum of 24 hours' notice for any cancellations.