Walk 3 - Countesthorpe Road/Foston Road junction to Grand
Union Canal (Double Rail Lock)
Approx 1 ½ miles - (About ¾ hour)
This walk starts at the north end of the village at the junction of Countesthorpe Road and Foston Road.
Opposite the roundabout, join the path at the corner of the field. The path follows the edge of the field in a straight line. When you reach the end of the field (you will see playing fields ahead), the path veers 90 degrees right and continues to hug the edge of the field.
Keep following the yellow markers to the gap in the hedge/trees. The next 5 minutes walking are probably not the best you experience!!
If you wondered where Countesthorpe got the name "niffy" from…you'd wonder if this was it! Persevere through the high nettles and around the sewage works. Cross the first bridge, looking straight ahead across the field you will see the next marker.
This field is generally either ploughed or wheat. The right
of way is straight across. Cross the bridge and the next field is generally
grassland and offers a chance to stop in the tranquil unspoilt view of open
countryside.
As you cross the final stile on this walk, you are on the Grand Union Canal
towpath at Double Rail Lock, a set of 2 locks built in 1928 - now it's been
worthwhile.
Your choice here is to join this walk with part of Walk 2 from Double Rail Lock. You can walk to either Crow Mill Bridge or Kilby Bridge. (you can also go across the locks to Wigston Little Hill estate, not sure where this comes out!).
