Discover the Melton Mowbray Navigation with These New Walks

The Melton and Oakham Waterways Society (MOWS) has published a new book of walks to encourage more people to discover the Melton Mowbray Navigation. The six walks along the River Wreake follow, as closely as possible, the original route of the Navigation, from Melton Mowbray to Syston, a distance of just over 16 miles.
They are based on the original Wreake Valley Way route, which was compiled shortly after the Society was formed in 1997, but they have been updated and expanded and now include information about the villages and other points of interest along the way.
Most of the walks take around a couple of hours for both the outward and return journey and some include a circular route.
It is no longer possible to walk alongside the river all the way because, when the Navigation was abandoned in the late 1800s, the towpath reverted to private landowners. It is, however, possible to see many of the 12 original locks, some of which are in remarkably good condition.
Following are the individual walks:
Walk 1: Melton Mowbray to Eye Kettleby Lock
Walk 2: Eye Kettleby Lock to Kirby Bellars
Walk 3: Kirby Bellars to Frisby on the Wreake
Walk 4: Frisby on the Wreake to Hoby
Walk 5: Hoby to Thrussington or Ratcliffe on the Wreake
Walk 6: Ratcliffe on the Wreake to Three-Way Bridge and the River Soar
The book contains details of how to get to the starting points (and return) either by car or bus and walks can be undertaken individually or linked together.
MOWS committee member, Geof Malone, who compiled the book for the Society said: “I’m hoping the book will help make more people aware of the Navigation’s history and what MOWS are doing to restore it. These are delightful walks through some beautiful countryside and lovely villages and there’s some fascinating history.”
Costing £3.95, the 40-page book is currently available at Melton Sports in King Street, Melton, Grange Garden Centre at Asfordby Hill and the Country Park Café and will shortly be on sale in other outlets.