In the morning we walked to the large Leicester Market to look for fresh provisions. The market is separated into different sections. One area for meat stalls, another for fish stalls , and the third for fruit and vegetables. Back at the boat we had crab bought at the market for lunch.
We then set off north down the Soar. At the first lock, North Lock, a police lady came up to tell us that the bridge below the lock was a crime scene but we would be allowed to pass through if we stayed on the boat. She then asked for help. The evidence sheet on which she had compiled her notes had blown into the canal in the gusty wind and she could not reach it! With a bit of manoeuvering we were able to retrieve the soggy notes from the canal and hand them back to the very relieved police lady.
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| Mill Lock |
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| Former mills |
Beyond North Lock there is much evidence of old industry including a large mill with a tall chimney festooned with numerous aerials. Leicester was a centre for manufacturing clothing. Beyond the mill the Soar looked increasingly like a real meandering tropical river with thick overhanging vegetation on both sides.
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| On the Soar north of Leicester |
And then the rain started. Heavy rain. Somewhat of a surprise since it was not forecast at all. As there was nowhere to shelter we quickly put on our wet weather clothing and opened up a large umbrella so only got fairly damp. By the time we reached Birstall Lock, the last one for today, the rain had stopped. We moored soon afterwards at good moorrnigs in the village of Birstall.
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| Birstall Lock in the sunshine |
The village centre is only a short walk from the river. There ae a few shops including a Coop where we bought some items we coud not get in central Leicester and an Indian restaurant we plan to visit this evening.
Journey Statistics
Distance: 3.78 miles
Locks: 4
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
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