Redmile: Canal Paths, Views and History

Redmile brings together canal paths, expansive views and several traces of local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Redmile, these themes can help you choose a place based on your interests: you can explore the route of the Grantham Canal, the open views towards Belvoir, or the history of the local railway. These different themes do not make up a fixed itinerary; rather, they show what Redmile has to offer as you decide where to travel.

Canal Path and Landscape

On the canal path from Harby (Langar Bridge) to Redmile, the towpath is grass-covered as far as Redmile Mill Bridge. After that, a short paved section leads to Redmile Town Bridge and on into the village. For orientation, this means a clear change of surface along the route: grass first, then a paved stretch to the village. The path surface may change; check current conditions before setting out.

The area designated as an SSSI, Harby to Redmile, covers the entire canal section from Rectory Bridge No. 44 at Harby to Redmile Mill Bridge No. 53. The named bridges mark the protected area as a section with clear endpoints; the name Harby to Redmile refers to this entire part of the canal.

From Redmile, expansive views stretch across open fields to the southeast, towards Belvoir Castle and the Vale escarpment. This is a different perspective from the linear canal routes: here, the open landscape and the stated direction of the view are the main points of reference. If landscape views matter to you, you can consider this outlook as a distinct priority when choosing your destination.

Walks with Different Highlights

The entire section of the Grantham Canal from Redmile to Woolsthorpe is a footpath. The Redmile Circular is one mile long. The Redmile to Barkestone Circular offers views of Belvoir Castle. These details answer different planning questions: they distinguish a canal section that is a footpath, a circular walk with a stated length, and another circular walk with views of the castle. Check path conditions before setting out.

Local History

The local railway in Redmile opened in 1879. It transported iron ore to Yorkshire and also took local produce to towns and markets. This brings together two distinct functions: the long-distance transport of a raw material and the transport of local products to towns and markets. This difference in scale gives the railway’s history a concrete economic perspective.

A much older story is associated with Thomas Daffye. Around 1660, the vicar of Redmile was said to have invented Daffy’s Elixir. This approximate date places the story in the 17th century; with its opening in 1879, the railway belongs to a much later period. Thus, two distinct historical themes sit side by side: a story linked to the vicar of the time and the local railway’s transport history.

The grounds of St Peter’s Church in Redmile contain three gravestones of the Vale of Belvoir Angels. They add a tangible element of local heritage to the railway history and the story. The condition of the gravestones may change; if this detail is important to your plans, check before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Narborough, Bottesford, Measham, Hinckley, Quorn, North Kilworth, Stathern, Kirkby Mallory.

For the broader travel overview: Leicestershire.