As readers will know this time last week the Disgruntled Radical and I were plying our way along the Ashby Canal. We got as far as the supposed site of the Battle of Bosworth (who knows where it was fought?) The canal never reached its objective of linking Ashby de la Zouch to the network and stopped at Moira. Mining subsidence forced the section between Donisthorpe and Moira to close in 1944 and second section closed in 1957 down as far as Illott Wharf, south of Measham. In 1966 local residents and anglers and waterway enthusiasts unsuccessfully protested against the closure of a further stretch, north of Snarestone. It was out of these protests that the Ashby Canal Association was born. This year their website reports that a section has reopened around Snarestone. sadly we didn't get to see it on this trip but if we go again it will certainly be on the itinerary.
Photos from their website
In my humble opinion. The Ashby is one of the most picturesque canals in the country. Pity it doesn't really go anywhere.
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