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In the roar of the traffic on the A607 Melton Mowbray-Grantham Road you can hardly imagine the delights which are available within yards of this sign. Here are the indicators for Melton, Belvoir Castle and the ill-fated now non-existent Asfordby Mine in one direction and Grantham and the north-bound and south-bound links to the massive A1 Trunk Road on the other hand. The point is SK898342 on Sheet 130 of the Ordnance Survey Map. |
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If we successfully run the gauntlet of the vehicles approaching Grantham and cross the road onto a recently surfaced path between trimmed hedgerows we are on our way. The canal watercourse actually extends further north-eastwards from this point, under the Trunk Road and a further 2 kilometres to terminate to the east of Earle's Fields and the Grantham Hospital and the density of the urban area. |
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If we wish we have a long, pleasant journey ahead but for the less intrepid or able, we can terminate our walk at many places along the route or retrace our steps. We will come across these markers as very regular intervals, all newly-refurbished by kind volunteers. |
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The view ahead at this point and in full Summer contains a mass of trees, flowers of many colourful varieties and, beyond the hedgerows, open fields of ripening corn or, where already harvested, newly ploughed and rolled as the agricultural year proceeds. A change from the flat but not monotonous towpath are the rolling wolds with coverts and copses for the delight of the photographer and biologist alike. |
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Not everyone prefers to stroll, or to boldly stride forward, rucksack bulging with the day's provisions and the safeguards against, dare we say it, the vagaries of the English weather. This budding Olympic champion was from the nearby Army Barracks and using the recent improvements as an ideal running practice track. |
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Frequent road crossings such as this enable you to turn from the canal to visit nearby villages and to give you a change of pace or terrain. Not far from today's start point are Harlaxton with its Manor (open to the public at specified times), the delightful village of Denton with the nearby reservoir accessible, Hungerton with its Hall, Woolsthorpe with the magnificent views of Belvoir Castle (shown on our separate, dedicated pages), Belvoir itself, and Redmile, Knipton, Harston to name but a few - each with its own charm and individuality and offering much in the way of refreshment. |
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You may however prefer to remain close by the canal, to observe the life on the water and within the banks, the abounding birdlife, the flora and fauna............ |
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...................or rest awhile.......
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....before proceeding quietly by the fishermen engrossed in their pursuit before the day comes to a close.
Another day will dawn and we can take up our journey again through the Vale of Belvoir, relentlessly but enjoying every moment, towards our goal of the River Trent at the 33 mile point.
We have yet to see the re-opened Cotgrave locks and many other interesting items.
For further information and many other aspects visit the Canal Web site. Please remember that cyclists are welcome but you require a (free) permit to ride along the towpath. You may write in for one to British Waterways, Trent Lock, Lock Lane, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 2FF or telephone 01159 461017 for further information. |