Foxton - Village & Locks

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Foxton Village & Locks, with Agents tackling Dr Pongi, who has hidden stink bombs beneath the locks, as you crack the code, stop the stink and flush out foul play before it goes down the canal.

The operation covers approximately 2.6 miles and should take around 3+ hours to complete. You'll investigate Foxton Locks, canal towpaths, bridges, the canal basin and Foxton Village, with canal-life details around the Canal Stables along the way.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Towpaths can be wet and slippery, and the route includes uneven terrain, a few short steep shoves up and over bridges, a narrow pavement on one section, and a section with no pavements. There are steps at one point, with a step-free option mentioned nearby.

Use extra caution on canal towpaths and be careful near the water's edge. At the locks, only cross using bridges, never the lock gates. There is traffic on the road sections too, including one bridge crossing where you'll need to take particular care.

At the end, retrace your path to the top of the steps, go left on the narrow path, then make your way back to the canal and stroll back along it to the car park.

Getting There

By car: Your mission begins at the LONG STAY car park at Foxton Locks on the left side of the Foxton to Gumley Road if you're coming from Foxton Village (LE16 7RA). This is the recommended car park. Do not use the Short Stay Car Park next to the Locks as Dr Pongi has been spotted here.

By public transport: Make your way to the LONG STAY car park at Foxton Locks on the Foxton to Gumley Road to begin the operation. The circular route brings you back to the canal and car park area once the stink-bomb plot has been tackled.

Need the Loo?

Useful intel for comfort breaks: toilets are available at the start car park and also near Clue 14.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome to join the mission 🐾

Keep canine recruits close on the canal towpaths, around the locks and near the water's edge. Leads are sensible on the road sections, especially where there is a narrow pavement, no pavement, steps and bridge crossings to tackle.

Food & Drink Stops

Stink-bomb sabotage is hungry work, so bring snacks before you set off or stop at one of a handful of cafes or pubs along the route.

There are benches at the start car park and plenty of canal-side spots for a picnic. At the end, the Lock Keepers Cottage is the place for a well-earned ice cream or cuppa before strolling back to the car park.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Foxton Locks

Foxton is famous for its locks, and this mission puts them right at the heart of the action. There are 10 locks in two staircases with 5 locks each, built from 1810 to 1814. They are 75ft 2inches high and 7ft wide, and boats can take 45 mins up or down. The locks are claimed to be the largest set of staircase locks in England, so they're well worth lingering over once Dr Pongi's pongy plot is under control.

Foxton Inclined Plane boat lift

The Foxton Inclined Plane boat lift adds another layer of canal intrigue. Built in 1900 to ease lock congestion because the locks were only 7 feet wide and no use for wider boats, it closed in 1911 and was dismantled in 1928. Keep your Agents' eyes peeled for the story of this short-lived but fascinating piece of canal history.

Foxton Village

The route explores Foxton Village as well as the locks and canal basin, giving you a good mix of waterside sleuthing and village wandering. Just remember that there are no pavements on one section of Middle Street, so keep the squad together while you investigate.

Canal Stables

The Canal Stables are a neat extra detail for sharp-eyed Agents. A plaque dated 1814 is mentioned here, and the route points out canal-life detail at this spot, making it a good place to pause and imagine the working canal world behind the mission.

Lock Keepers Cottage

Once the final canal-side checks are complete, the Lock Keepers Cottage makes a very satisfying debrief stop. It's mentioned as a place for a well-earned ice cream or cuppa before strolling back to the car park - ideal for celebrating a stink-free success.