Leicester

 Today we cruised into Leicester. with some trepidation as we had been warned that there was not any mooring spce available.  But central Leicester is our last good opportunity to buy groceries for the next week at least.

Entries into most cities are pretty similar.  First the pleasant suburbs, then the less attractive inner areas and finally the centre.  But often the waterway is suprisingly green for much of the journey. And so it was for Leicester.

Limekiln Lock, Inner Leicester

The subrurbs were represented by Birstall. But before long we were at Belgrave Lock where a group of dubious-looking characters were busy on their mobiles, followed by Limekiln Lock in a similar area.  However this is one of the green oasises (oasees?) where on a pevious visit we saw a kingfisher.  Sadly none were visible today.

Duckweed is now a problem

Moored at Friar's Mill, central Leicester

As the photo shows the waterway in Leicester is increasingly covered with duckweed which can wind around the propellor making it necessary to stop to clear it. Fortunately not a problem for us today.

Our journey Then took us past Abbey Park followed soon after by our final lock,North Lock. Round a bend we had the first view of our desired mooring spot at Friar's Mill.  There was only one boat there, the rest of the mooring was empty.  Cheers all roound! 

We moored up at 13:30.  In the afternoon we walked the half mile into the city centre for a quick shop. Our big shop at Tesco is scheduled for tomorrow.

3 hours 45 mins, 5 locks, 5.67 miles