Now forming part of the new National Forest, this area was once an industrial landscape, ravaged by mining.
The route runs from Measham to Moira passing through countryside which is rich in social and industrial history. You will pass through old Donisthorpe Colliery site, now a Woodland Park, and there are links to the old mining village of Oakthorpe and Moira Furnace, thought to be the best-preserved 19th-century blast furnace in Europe. At Moira, you can visit Conkers, a forest-themed attraction with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
At Waterside, the northern basin of the Ashby Canal, which was closed by subsidence in the 1940s, has been rebuilt. Eventually, this ambitious project aims to reconnect with the national canal network at Snarestone, south of Measham. You can already ride the towpath, snaking back to rejoin the Heritage Trail via Moira Furnace.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.