[2] The source of the river is a stream that rises at an altitude of 142 metres (466 ft) near to Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire, on the watershed division between the Avon and Soar catchments.

The river continues in a south-westerly direction, passing to the north of Walcote then through the Misterton Marshes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, before reaching the M1 motorway bridge and the town of Lutterworth.

[3][4] The river passes to the south of the town, where it is crossed by the Rugby road, near to the site of the ‘lost’ St Johns the Baptist hospital.

[1] In terms of geology of the catchment is underlain primarily by Lias Clay and mudstones, with an overlying layer of glacially deposited till, sands and gravels.

[8][9] In February 2012, a mother and her three children had to be rescued from their car when it was swept downstream from the ford between Churchover and Harborough Magna, after it had broken down in the floodwaters whilst crossing the river.