Grand Union Canal, Bridge 29

Bridge 29 is a proper Victorian iron bridge that carries the Grand Union Canal over a road just outside Southam. It's one of those industrial relics that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards a closer look - cast iron work dating back to when this canal was the motorway of the Midlands.

The bridge itself is small and functional rather than grandiose, but that's precisely why it works. You can walk along the towpath, watch narrowboats squeeze underneath, and actually feel what this working waterway does. On a decent day the light catches the metalwork nicely, and there's something oddly meditative about standing here watching the water traffic.

Walkers and canal enthusiasts will find this most rewarding. It's free, obviously - it's a public bridge. You don't need more than 15 minutes here unless you're properly into industrial heritage, though the towpath stretches in both directions if you fancy a longer wander. The canal is busy enough in summer that you'll likely see boats, which adds life to the spot.

If you're based at Holt Farm Campsite nearby, this makes an easy leg-stretch without leaving the car for long. It slots into a broader canal walk rather than standing alone - the Grand Union has plenty of character along this stretch. The bridge itself won't blow your mind, but if you're already exploring the area it's worth ten minutes of your time to actually see what these Victorian engineers left behind.