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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

If you have any queries about the pictures or discriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

GRAND UNION CANAL WALK
LEICESTER LINE
Welford Arm
to Laughton Hills

Friday 24th September 2004
....................Walk No. 602
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Welford Arm to Laughton Hills - Map Courtesy www.streetmap.co.uk

Grand Union Canal Walk  No. 62             Total 247 miles

Time Taken:  2.00 hrs   Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:   Autumn Sunshire
  3:45 pm - 5:45 pm      5.5 miles          75%                 Cloudy & Chilly

Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:     Wild Life:
  15oC        90%        0%         Good          Muddy in Places   Dogs, Pigeons, Swans

Total AA:    Total MH:   Total LD:    Total AW:     Other:    Total Distance:
  796 mls       808 mls     1720 mls     140.5 mls      898 mls      4408 miles

Companions:   (Derek) 

Points of Interest:
Welford Arm       North Kilworth      Husbands Bosworth      Husbands Bosworth Tunnel
Bridges 42, 43, 45, 46 Honey Pot Farm Bridge, 47, 48 Freeman's Bridge, 49, 50, 51, 52
Disused Railway          Bosworth Gorse         Theddingworth Lodge        Laughton Hills

No Locks           Four Moving Barges
General:
Parked in single track lane near bridge 52 between the Laughton Hills and Theddingworth Village. Started cycling at 3:15pm down the little used lane towards Theddingworth Village and the A427. The lane took an unusual twist by some buildings past a huge pair of white gates. Then I realised the road had been diverted to accommodate a railway line which had subsequently been dismantled without returning the lane to its original direct route. Exhausting steady climb to Husbands Bosworth village on a busy A427. Steep descent out of village before a sharp turn left down another narrow singe track lane. Crossed a minor road and continued cycling down a very rough lane. Locked the bike to the fence beside the canal at Bridge 1, and started walking along the towpath at 3:45pm after cycling for 7.5 Km. Soon reached Welford Arm Junction and crossed the canal at Bridge 42. As I crossed the stile onto the Leicester Line towpath I could hear a loud clicking noise at approx one second intervals. I realised it was probably the electric fence discharging to earth so I almost jumped over the stile without using any hands. Surprised to see North Kilworth Narrowboats at Bridge 45. No marina just a wide canal. Towpath very narrow and sharply inclined in many places, especially near the west portal of Husbands Bosworth Tunnel. Fortunately the undergrowth along the towpath had been cleared recently otherwise the journey along the little used towpath would have been very difficult. Good track over the top of the tunnel, although steep near the highest point. The disused railway crossed over the tunnel near the east tunnel portal. A bridge was built over the railway especially for the towpath. Intriguing. The towpath slowly descended to the canal at the east portal. After the tunnel the short periods of sunshine brightening the canal enormously. Good views to the Mowsley Hills, Laughton Hills & across the valley to Theddingworth Village. Greeted by numerous barking dogs as I approached a moored barge near Bridge 52 and the Laughton Hills. Fortunately the owner was nearby. Left the canal for the car at Bridge 52 and passed couple of horse riders using the quiet lane. Drove back to collect my bike but as I reached the very rough lane it was blocked by a couple of van drivers chatting. I gestured that I wanted to use the lane, but the lady driver explained that the lane was private (although not marked). I explained my situation and I was kindly given permission to collect my bike.
www.streepmap.co.uk, start Welford Arm Bridge 1 463020/282525, finish Bridge 52 466255/287585, via A50 Bosworth Tunnel 463820/284720.

Hazards: Take great care when cycling on busy main roads. Today’s drivers do not leave a sufficient gap for a wobbly cyclist. Do not use private lanes without permission, it may save a long time consuming detour.
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Welford Arm Junction Finger Post & Bridge 42
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Canal Repairs at Bridge 43
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - North Kilworth Narrowboats on A427 & Bridge 45
Recent Walks Index Page
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Husbands Bosworth Tunnel West Portal & Barge Light
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Husbands Bosworth Tunnel West Portal Sign
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Canal Towpath over Husbands Bosworth Tunnel
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Disused Railway over Husbands Bosworth Tunnel
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Husbands Bosworth Tunnel East Portal
24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Husbands Bosworth Tunnel East Portal
6th August 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Birds near Welford Lodge Farm 24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Theddingworth Village from Canal near Bridge 52 24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Barges near Bridge 52 24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Laughton Hills at Bridge 51 24th September 2004 - Grand Union Canal - Barge near Bridge 46

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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2004
Devised: September 2004