Day 16 - Glen Parva to Leicester

Thursday 18th August

6 miles, 4 locks

Freeman's Meadow Lock

Another blazing hot day, had arranged with Tony and Jan NB to go down the locks into Leicester with them around 9ish.

Slow start as cruiser passed just as we were getting ourselves off the bottom and used the lock which was set in our favour. Met several boats coming up all saying that they had enjoyed Leicester.

Leicester City FC

Leaving the lock

Man asked if we had seen a chocolate labrador swimming in the canal. We said "no". About half an hour later there it was. Called out to the owner who looked exhausted as did the dog and they were reunited.

The Mile Straight

We moored at Castle Gardens, Tony and Jan went on to the new pontoon.

Leicester Guildhall

Set off to explore Leicester visiting the Guildhall, Cathedral housing Richard III tomb and pall and the Newarke house museum. Also saw a wedding outside the New Walk museum. The gardens were well kept, the market fantastic and the shops varied. We had heard so many negative comments about Leicester we were pleasantly surprised.

Richard III tomb

... and commemorative window

... and shroud

Leicester Cathedral

Leicester City Centre

Our mooring at Castle Park

A pint of Rob

We strolled along a couple of streets in the evening with bars, shops and restaurants from all over the world, stopping for a pint of Rob in the micro brewery and calling in the Black Horse where a music night was going on. Picked up a Chinese takeaway from Yumchi which was very good. Ate out on the pontoon.

Unusual urinals!