We slipped our Birstall moorings at 08:20 and headed for Kilby Bridge, a distance of 13 miles and 16 locks. The day started a bit cloudy and very soon became partially sunny and warm. Once we'd navigated through the detritus of Leicester, (though not all of it is bad), and entered the countryside again the River Soar is much more beautiful, becoming narrow and overgrown in places and somewhere where no one knows you're there. The locks, in places are a bit of a chore, wide, cumbersome and hard work, while other are quite acceptable, even one or two in Leicester. The lock we'd waited for most of all was Kings Lock, the point at which the Soar transforms into the Grand Union Canal. We're pleased to be off the river as the forecast is for heavy rain tonight and the threat of flooding and the inevitable rise in water levels meaning a possible repeat of last years' escapade where we were holed up at Kegworth Deep Lock for four days and having to turn around and come back the way we came instead of completing the ring.

There's litter everywhere when entering Leicester from the North

The river has been cleaned up quite a lot since we were here last year, the weirs are almost completely clear of litter - much better. On the main stretch through the City Centre CaRT were weed cutting using a boom which had to be removed to let us through.

CaRT boom operator. Thanks for letting us through without delay.

Nice pump house, having been cleaned, it looks new. 

Some nice bridges too.

Freeman's Meadow Lock. This was a raging torrent last year.

Kings Lock Tea Room, right beside the lock 

There was an aroma of sausages and onions emitting from here. roll on tea time.

At Ervin's Lock the sky was beginning to turn grey and it wasn't long before the first spots of rain were felt. By the time we arrived at Double Rail Lock the rain was steady and waterproofs were donned. Through Kilby Lock and it was time to take on water at the BW facilities. It takes for ever to fill when its raining. Job done and it's time to find a mooring. Through Bridges 87 and 86 and we found a perfect spot, no one in sight and away from a main road.

See you tomorrow.