Down the River Trent

 Tuesday 3 October Shardlow to Castle Marina, Nottingham and Holme Pierrepoint 15 miles, 6 locks)

We set off after liver and bacon for John! We found Little Dawn winding before Derwentmouth lock, so bid them farewell. The lock took a while. John changed the air filter and added engine oil, which delayed us a little. With a gilet on, the morning was lovely and warm enough. 

After a mile on the river we entered Sawley cut, where the helpful CRT volunteer helped us through the lock. The scenery was pleasant this fine morning. 

Once through Cranfleet lock, we enjoyed the miles to Beeston. 

A boater kindly helped us through Beeston lock, where we used the services Elsan point.

A few miles along the Beeston Canal, past plenty of moored boats, saw us mooring by the Castle Marina and having lunch at the Watersedge pub while we waited for our friends Karen and Mick to arrive.

After a visit to Sainsbury’s, we set off to Castle lock viewing  the new canalside buildings before and after it. 

 

 

Some are being rebuilt and improved after what seems a very short time. Nick and Karen saw the London Road is on stilts above the water meadows. Passing Meadow Lane, the home of Nottingham County FC, we descended Meadow Lane lock to the river opposite the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest FC. A broken down widebeam (note in window) was on the lock mooring pontoon, so John had to hover to pick up the crew. 

We managed this safely, then passed all the newish apartment blocks on the North side of the river upon our way to moor above Holme Lock. 

After tea, we had a short walk around the white water course, watching the canoeists. 

Wednesday 4 October Holme Lock to Newark and on to above Cromwell Lock (25 miles, 6 river locks)

This cruise between Nottingham and Newark is one of our favourites. On a sunny day it is both beautiful and idyllic. Today was cloudy and cool when the sun wasn’t out, but we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. We were through Holme lock (Operated by Liana and Nick) before the volunteer arrived. There were volunteers at Stoke Bardolph, Gunthorpe, Hazleford and Newark Town locks. In the miles between, we relaxed and enjoyed the scenery!

Holme Lock

Using a riser when going downhill.

Egrets

Passing Averham Weir

One of the Newark weirs near Town lock

Leaving Town lock by the castle

Railway and A1 bridges

We visited Newark market and shops and had coffee and cake. Liana shopped on the way back.

As we were due to set off from Cromwell moorings at 0830 next morning, we decided to carry on to the pontoon moorings above that lock. John took Annie through Nether lock, operated by Liana and Nick once an oncoming boat had come through.

Nick steered Annie the five miles to Cromwell while John rested.

The very strong wind made mooring very difficult on the pontoon, especially as the space meant our bow stuck out ten feet beyond the pontoon. Nick and John managed it between them. John added both centre ropes to make absolutely sure Annie was secure in the gale. We ate pork cooked in the slow cooker - delicious!