A361

The A361 is a primary A‑road in England that links the market town of Market Deeping in Lincolnshire to the rural district of Holden in Worcestershire. Covering approximately 57 miles, the route passes through the counties of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, serving as a corridor for local traffic between northern and western parts of the Midlands.

From Market Deeping the road travels westward, joining the A46 near Market Deeping before curving southwest through the villages of Skellingthorpe and Downham. It then skirts the northern edge of the Vale of Belvoir, entering Leicestershire where it meets the A14 near Market Harborough. Continuation south takes it through the historic market town of Malvern in Worcestershire, crossing the River Severn before terminating at the junction with the A38 near Holden.

The A361 has been realigned several times since its original designation in the early 20th century. Key upgrades include the 1970s bypass around Market Harborough which alleviated congestion, and the late‑1990s widening of the section between Malvern and Holden to a dual carriageway standard to accommodate increased traffic from the growing high‑tech industry in the Wrekin area. In recent years, proposals have been discussed to extend the dual carriageway to connect more directly with the M5 motorway, a plan that remains under study.

The road remains an important link for both commuter traffic and freight movement. Its intersections with major motorways—the M1 at Market Deeping, the M40 near Birmingham and the M5 near Bromsgrove—make it a frequent corridor for long‑distance drivers. The A361 also offers scenic drives through pastoral valleys and historic market towns, appealing to motorists seeking a mix of practicality and rural charm.