Leicester Ring - Welford Arm

Leicester Ring 2011

Welford Arm

21 April 2011

What can I say, the Welford Arm is a complete gem. Small in every way but perfectly formed, a great distraction from the main line to Leicester and well worth a visit.

Welford's wharf

Its much more satisfying that the Market Harborough arm for all its diminutive 1.75 miles length. Another curious fact is that the canal has its own little lock which raises the canal about four feet for its final 400 meters to its terminus, making this the highest point on the while of the Grand Union system. It eclipses all the summits between here and London and the final pound from Knowle to the Camp Hill Locks in Birmingham.

Welford's little lock

The end of the canal boasts a pretty little marina containing less than 60 boats, a working boatyard, a dry docs and a traditional warehouse with a bay offering just enough space for two visiting boats to snuggle up withing staggering distance of the adjacent pub.

Welford basin

Whilst the canal terminates at Leicestershire, a short stroll through the lovingly tended "pocket park" takes you over a diminutive River Avon and into Northamptonshire within which the village of Welford sits. Not that there is a lot to Welford's high street, just a pub, a well patronised Post Office / stores and a garage at the far end. Its clearly a community place, with the locals erecting statues, maintaining parks and offering monthly film shows in the village hall.

Postman Pat indicates the way to the village post office.

Not a bad place to live, in my opinion.