Towpath Re-Opens After £1m Transformation

A section of canal towpath in Market Harborough popular with walkers and cyclists has re-opened following upgrade work costing just over £1m.

The previously unsurfaced 2km stretch from Union Wharf has been closed in parts for the past six months, while work to put down a hard surface took place.

The path has historically become very muddy in winter months, but can now easily be used all-year-round, including by those with wheelchairs and buggies.

The new path

The Canal and River Trust carried out the work using funding from the Department for Transport, through Sustrans’ ‘Paths For Everyone’ programme and ‘Section 106’ developer contributions from the Wellington Place housing development, via Harborough District Council.

The section of towpath forms part of Route 6 of the National Cycle Network, which connects London to the Peak District and improvements to boat moorings in the area have also being made.

Richard Erwin-Jones from the Canal and River Trust told HFM the work has made a real difference and more environmental improvements are also planned:

The new path

A final top surface is still to be laid along one a section of the new path – bad weather has prevented this from taking place and it will now be put in place in the spring.