BOATERS
LOCK OPENING TIMES
SEE HOME PAGE
As locks can be very busy, please allow yourself plenty of time to ensure passage.
You must book in with the lock keeper who will advise when you can enter the flight.
It takes approximately 45 minutes to pass through the flight and you must be through the flight by the time of closure.
Last boat will be allowed to enter the flight 45 minutes prior to closure.
BOATERS SERVICES
CLICK for details of...
Mooring, Water points
Shop - Laundry - Chandlers - Engineering
CLICK for Pump Out & Mooring at Union Wharf, Market Harborough (11 miles, 2 swing bridges)
CLICK for Pump Out etc at North Kilworth Wharf (7 miles)
CLICK for Pump Out etc at North Kilworth Marina (7 miles)
CLICK for Pump Out etc at Yelvertoft Marina (32 miles)
CLICK for detail of... Pubs in Foxton Village
CRUISING DISTANCES
Foxton Locks passage up or down is approximately 45 minutes
East
Foxton bottom to Market Harborough 5.5 miles, 2 swing bridges, 2.5 hours
South
Foxton top to Welford Basin 9 miles, 1 lock, 3.75 hours
Foxton top to Crick 19 miles, 1 tunnel, 7.25 hours
Foxton top to Watford Locks Top 20 miles, 1 tunnel, 8.5 hours
Foxton top to Norton Junction 23 miles, 2 tunnels, 7 locks, 10 hours
North
Foxton bottom to Leicester 18 miles, 1 tunnel, 24 locks, 11.5 hours
Above calculations are approximate. For more details go to www.canalplan.org.uk
PRE-LOVED BOOKSHOP
Come in and browse in our pre-loved bookshop next to the cafe at the top lock cottage. All proceeds help improved Foxton Locks.
CAFE & PUBS
Lock Keepers Cottage Cafe is open at the top of the lock during lock opening times. Hot and cold food, drinks and locally made ice cream are available. Top Lock Coffee Stop
Bridge 61 Pub is at the bottom of the locks selling hot and cold food, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks. They have a large beer garden and in the summer offer free use of their BBQ. Bottom Lock, Gumley Rd, Nr Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7RA 0116 279 2285
www.foxtonboats.co.uk/bride-61-pub/
Foxton Locks Inn at the bottom of the locks sell hot and cold meals, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks. They have an extensive enclosed heated conservartory which opens up in the summer. Also there is a small function room to hire. They have extensive beer garden overlooking the canal. Bottom Lock, Gumley Road, Foxton, LE16 7RA 0116 279 1515 www.restaurantfoxtonlocks.co.uk
Black Horse Pub & Tea Room
A popular country pub in the village of Foxton, serving quality beers and tasty home cooked food in quite delightful surroundings.
Black Horse Bridge, Foxton, LE16 7RD 01858 545 250
Shoulder of Mutton Deep in the heart of Foxton lies the newly refurbished Shoulder of Mutton! Real ale and traditional pub food.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday. 01858 681 080
60 Main Street, Foxton, LE16 7RB www.shoulderofmuttonfoxton.co.uk
The Waterfront The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Market Harborough is a dining location nestled in the basin at Union Wharf it has stunning views of the canal and boats. Union Wharf, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7UW 01858 434702 https://waterfrontharborough.co.uk/
BOOKING IN
All boats wishing to traverse the locks must book in with the lock keeper who will record the boat name and time in her/his book. The lock keeper could be anywhere on the flight or at quiet times, having a quick cuppa in the lock cottage next to the top lock. Knock and call for the lock keeper.
Until you are booked in, you will not be in the queue. It takes 45 minutes to traverse the flight and you must be through by closing time.
The lock keeper will manage the flow of boats up and down the locks in the most efficient manner possible to ensure minimum delay to boaters and prevent the waste of precious water.
During busy periods, a several hour wait may occur so ensure you arrive in plenty of time.
SAFETY
Foxton locks are a unique experience for boaters and spectators alike but does pose some challenges.
On weekends and holidays there will be literally hundreds of visitors crowding around the locks to watch the boats. This creates difficulties for crew working the locks and extra care must be taken to ensure that spectators are not in the way when winding paddles or opening gates.
Foxton Locks are manned during opening hours by lock keepers. Please ensure that you listen to their instructions and follow them carefully to avoid any issues especially around the middle pound which is liable to flooding if not managed correctly.
Dont forget windlass' can be dangerous. Always use the small square on the winding gear spindle, ensure the safety is on when winding the paddle up and that you remove the windlass from the paddle gear when you are not winding the gear. Take care when letting the paddle down to ensure that you do not let the windlass slip which can cause serious injury.
How the Red and White paddles move the water (Top to middle and then repeats on lower locks
