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Grand Union Canal from Great Glen

Leicestershire Walk

County/Area - Leicestershire

Author - David McMahon

Length - 3.1 miles / 5 km    Ascent - 50 feet / 15 metres

Time - 1 hours 40 minutes    Grade - easy

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Grand Union Canal from Great Glen
Click image to see photo description.

This easy walk starts from Great Glen, a popular village to the east of Leicester just off the A6. The bus service is the Arriva X3(see timetable). The walk starts from village green. Commence by walking down the cul-de-sac to the left-hand side of the Pug and Greyhound pub. At the end cross over the stile and carry on along the farm track as it firstly bends to the left and then to the right and then reaches a bridge over the Great Glen Bypass.

After the bridge, continue along the track past the first hedgerow until it reaches the second one. Turn left before it and then cross the footbridge and carry on straight across the field to the next hedgerow. Cross another footbridge and afterwards aim slightly diagonally right until you reach the next hedgerow. Go the right and carry on along the grassy track which will take you under the railway line and eventually onto the canal by Cranes Lock.

Turn right and continue along the canal towpath until you reach a set of steps. Go down them and through the railway line tunnel and then continue along the well-marked and well-trodden footpath until you reach the bypass again. This time cross it at ground level and carry on for a short distance until you reach a more substantial footbridge than previous. Here you have a choice; straight ahead will bring you out on the old A6, whereas a right turn, a stile and a gate followed by a narrow alleyway will bring you out where you started. Hope you've enjoyed yourself.

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