Sutton Bonington, West Leake, Kingston on Soar and the Grand Union Canal, 8th September 2024


Elaine took twelve members on this 7.5 mile walk from the playground in Sutton Bonington, through fields to West Leake for coffee and then down Kingston Brook to Kingston on Soar for lunch.  Then we followed the Grand Union Canal and/or River Soar until we came to the path back to Sutton Bonington.  After torrential rain on the way there, the day turned out dry and sunny and very pleasant.


The start in Sutton Bonington
Over the Midland Main Line ...

... and past St Anne's Church

St Anne's Manor (1848), Sutton Bonington

A last view of the power station?

Bridge over Kingston Brook

St Helena's Church, West Leake - drinks stop

Phil looking for inspiration

Bridge over Kingston Brook

St Winifred's Church, Kingston on Soar

Lunch stop

Approaching the tunnel under the Midland Main Line

Awaiting decommissioning

Kegworth Shallow Lock on the Grand Union Canal

Kegworth New Lock used to be called Kegworth Deep Lock on account of its 12 foot rise, but after several narrowboats sank after getting caught on the cill at the upstream end, it was renamed Kegworth New Lock so as not to scare off new users

Entering Kegworth New Lock

The Otter and houseboat

About to leave the Canal/River Soar and head back to the playing fields ...

... and a welcome drink at the end