Foxton Locks and Grand Union Canal Circuit
Leicestershire
Foxton Locks is one of the great engineering spectacles of the English canal network — ten staircase locks lifting boats 23 metres up the Leicestershire hillside on the Grand Union Canal. This 6.4 km circular route follows the towpath from the locks along a peaceful stretch of canal before looping back through fields and quiet lanes via the village of Foxton. The terrain is flat and easy throughout, making this a genuinely accessible walk that still delivers plenty of interest. Narrowboats working through the locks add colour and activity to the start and finish.
This is a lovely dog friendly walk for dogs who enjoy waterside ambling and gentle countryside. The canal towpath provides a wide, flat surface ideal for steady walking, and the field paths on the return add variety without difficulty. Off-lead potential is moderate along the quieter stretches, though leads are sensible near the locks where boat activity and other walkers concentrate. Livestock risk is low, and the canal itself provides constant water access for thirsty dogs. The whole circuit takes under two hours, making it a perfect midweek outing.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Canal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe, Pubs, Toilets
- Parking
- Foxton Locks car park off Gumley Road
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foxton Locks and Grand Union Canal Circuit dog friendly?
Foxton Locks and Grand Union Canal Circuit is rated 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog. The flat towpath and gentle field paths suit most dogs well, and the canal provides natural water access throughout the route. There's also a café and pubs nearby, so you can make a proper outing of it.
Can dogs be off lead at Foxton Locks and Grand Union Canal Circuit?
Off-lead potential is moderate here , the quieter stretches of the canal towpath offer reasonable freedom, but leads are recommended near the locks themselves where narrowboats, other visitors, and general activity make things busier. The field paths on the return loop are worth bearing in mind too, though livestock risk is described as low overall.
What should I know before visiting Foxton Locks and Grand Union Canal Circuit with my dog?
The circuit is 6.4 km and takes under two hours, with flat, easy terrain throughout , good news if you have a dog who's not up for anything too strenuous. The canal runs alongside much of the route, so dogs have plenty of opportunity to drink, but keep that in mind if yours is prone to jumping in near the working lock area. Park at Foxton Locks car park off Gumley Road, and note that the locks can get busy, especially when narrowboats are passing through.
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