In May 2023 canal towpath improvements began in Market Harborough with the aim of the works to give local people a clean, green-route to feeling happier and healthier overall to improve wellbeing.

The project started to revamp a section of canal towpath in Market Harborough, making it easier for local people to feel the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time on or by the water.

The Canal & River Trust started working in partnership with Sustrans to improve a 2km length of the Grand Union Canal towpath in the town. The project would transform the stretch of towpath and make it suitable for use all year round, including those with wheelchairs or buggies and those accessing the water for boating.

As part of the works the towpath was widened and a new all-weather surface laid. This involved laying a bitumen surface and then a stone chip layer to give it a more natural feel sympathetic to the canal surroundings.

As well as improving the towpath surface the works also saw a busy mooring for visiting boats improved. Works started on 22 May 2023 and lasted until the end of August.

Funding for the £900,000 project has come from the Department for Transport through Sustrans’ Paths For Everyone programme as well as a Section 106 contribution from the Wellington Place housing development through Harborough District Council.

Research shows that time spent by water can help people feel happier and healthier and that our waterways bring a £1.1billion cost saving to the NHS as a result of people being active along our waterways and towpaths. With more people looking for a local escape on their doorstep, the works makes it easier and more appealing for people to explore and enjoy the Grand Union Canal.