Knots in Notts

Monday, 23 August 2010 16:24

Onwards towards Newark

Cromwell Lock behind us, we were now cruising the non-tidal Trent.

We passed North Muskham with the Muskham Ferry pub and St Wilfred's church. This was built in the 12th and 15th centuries and has impressive clerestory windows.

The Muskham Ferry pub

St Wilfred's from the river

All along the River Trent there are kilometre markers. These helped us work out where we were using the "Sissions charts". The markers are not noted on Nicholson (it would be helpful if it was) - we also use WaterExplorer's Navvygator as we cruise, so we can always tell where we are and what speed we are doing. Speed limit boards are also along the banks - it seemed it was 6mph.

Kilometre marker

Winthrop Bridge carries the A1 across the Trent. The road follows the Great North Road for much of its 410 miles from London to Edinburgh. It is the longest road in the UK - remember that for pub quizzes! We have been under it a few times in the last month or so!

Winthrop Bridge

Cruising under Newark Rail Bridge, we approached Newark - we planned to spend the weekend there and were expecting visitors. The Trent divides here - the wide non-navigable "river" flowing off right and the narrower Newark Branch to the left, towards Newark Nether Lock.

We followed the cruiser into the lock - he had used his VHF to warn the Lock Keeper of our approach.

Newark Nether Lock

Above the lock, road and rail again cross the navigation. Fiddlers Elbow Bridge (is that the equivalent of tennis elbow but for a violinist?!) is an elegant bridge, followed by the blue bridge over Kings Marina's entrance and then Jubilee Bridge.

We thought we might moor on the pontoon moorings beyond Jubilee Bridge. They are below Stephenson House and The Kiln, where BW have their office. The moorings were full as you can see!

So we carried on towards Trent Bridge (the old Great North Road, now bypassed by the A1). Built in 1775 and replacing a 12th century timber bridge, it has seven arches. Boats have to take the centre arch.

Trent Bridge

We moored just beyond the bridge opposite the "Guardian of the Trent"

More - oh so much more  - about this really nice town later.

River Trent, Torksey to Newark

5 hours, 20.26 miles, 2 locks