Harlaxton, Grantham Canal and Denton

The Grantham Canal was opened in 1793 and runs 33 miles from the River Trent to the Grantham basin. It was designed to carry coke, coal, lime, building materials, and essential wares from Nottingham to Grantham. The canal path, lined by oak, elder, sycamore, and chestnut trees, leads on to a meadow which is a prolific site for butterfly enthusiasts. Denton Reservoir, once popular for winter skating, is now a magnet for anglers.

Denton is a small stone village where the Welby family have been lords of the manor since the 14th century. The walk, which began in Harlaxton, returns to this village by following fields in an eastward direction from Denton. Once back in Harlaxton the route passes the church and old schoolhouse — a hotchpotch of different architectural styles — before turning into Church Street, which has a delightful mix of old houses from different ages.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.