Back to the Trent

Monday, 30 August 2010 20:31

Finally the end was in sight - both of the Nottingham Canal and the River Trent

After calling in at Nottingham Castle Marina for diesel we set out for the river again. Soon we were travelling on the Beeston Cut.

The Trent Navigation Company built a cut from Beeston to meet the Nottingham Canal at Lenton - thus avoiding the difficult shallows and the old Trent Bridge. The Nottingham Canal used to turn north at Lenton (known as Lenton Chain Junction), just south of Lenton Lane Bridge (13a), beyond the boatyard shown below.

T. Trevethick Boat Builders

Chain Lane Bridge is a reminder that the Trent Navigation Company used to lock their Beeston Canal with a chain. There was a toll house here to collect money from boaters passing between the two canals.

The Beeston Cut passes factories, notably the Boots factory and its large estate. The canal widens out here and the towpath is well kept. Shortly after, we could see the outskirts of Beeston and all the boats (mainly narrowboats) moored there.

At the end of the cut is Beeston Lock which is a large lock opening onto the River Trent. The adjacent weir leads to the un-navigable section from Wilford Suspension Bridge below Nottingham.

The lock behind us

Leaving Beeston Lock, we were now on the wide Trent again, with a bit of a flow. Beeston Marina has many moorings, all watched over by a Pirate - sadly not Johnny Depp!

The Attenborough Nature reserve is behind trees on the west bank and Barton Island on the east side is a wonderful adventure island for Scouts. Our last lock on the River Trent was Cranfleet Lock. As there was quite a wind, I decided it was my turn to work the lock!

Above the Lock is Cranfleet Cut. It was busy; as we exited, a cruiser took our place. There were two boats waiting below once he was through and then we met a convoy of three narrowboats who had to wait before they could lock down onto the Trent.

The straight cut passes under a bridge and then a rail bridge, before a flood lock. Ahead was the Trent's junction with the River Soar and the Erewash Canal.

The Soar flows off to the left, the Erewash is entered on the right via Trent Lock. I have left my mistakes in so others do not make the same mistake.

Thanks to Christine from "Richlow Guides" I have the correct information now! The photo below is of the Trent  flowing down to a weir that is bypassed by the Cranfleet Lock and cut. The River Soar joins the Trent here.

River Trent, leading to the River Soar

Straight ahead, the Trent continues towards Sawley Cut and thence to the Trent and Mersey.  Which way would we choose?

Nottingham Canal, Sainsburys moorings, Nottingham to Trent Junction

3 hours 41 minutes, 8.17 miles, 2 locks