This saves water compared to the more common riser staircases, since changing the direction of traffic does not require emptying/filling almost all the locks.

There can be lengthy delays at busy times but the actual transit should take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete; it is made quicker by the fact that the locks are narrow beam and the gates are light.

The Grade II* listed locks are a popular tourist attraction and the county council has created a country park at the top.

At the bottom, where the junction with the arm to Market Harborough is located, there are two public houses, a shop, trip boat and other facilities.

[citation needed] The Foxton Canal Museum is located in the former boiler house for the plane's steam engine.