Part of the Grand Union Canal
Plans to make the river navigable to Leicester were mooted as early as 1634 but the navigation from the River Trent to Loughborough was only opened in 1778. It was extended to Leicester in 1794.
Waterways > River Soar
River Soar
The River Soar Navigation forms part of the Grand Union Canal, joining the Leicester Line of the Canal with the River Trent and the Erewash Canal.
Map showing the River Soar Navigation
Facts & Stats
24.1 miles
(38.8km)
The length of the River Soar that is navigable.
18 locks
1778
Year opened
The navigation from River Trent to Loughborough was opened.
Part of the Grand Union Canal
Waterway notes
Maximum boat sizes
- Length: 73′ 2″ (22.3 metres) – Bishop Meadow Lock
- Beam: 15′ (4.57 metres) – Thurmaston Lock
- Height: 7′ 6″ (2.28 metres) – Little Moorlane Arch Bridge
- Draught: 4′ (1.2 metres)
Navigation authority
Canal & River Trust
Branch
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