The Ashby Canal

The Ashby Canal is a historic, man-made waterway in England, constructed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to transport goods during the Industrial Revolution. Stretching approximately 13 miles through Leicestershire, it connected coal mines, ironworks, and other industries to larger shipping routes. Although largely abandoned by the mid-20th century due to the rise of railways and road transport, parts of the canal have been preserved and restored for recreational use, such as boating, walking, and wildlife habitats, offering a glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage.