Sunday 21 August 2011

Beeston to Kegworth

We had an excellent meal at the Victoria Hotel in Beeston last night, only a short walk from the canal moorings. Set off this morning with blue skies and sunshine, making the final stretch on the Trent very enjoyable. From Trent lock it got quite busy and we were queuing for some time at Ratcliffe and Kegworth Deep lock. Finished a fantastic week off by having a final meal with Paul and Jo at the Otter.

001 Leaving Beeston lock, passing Beeston Marina

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Approaching Cranfleet lock

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Turning at Trent lock on to the River Soar

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Passing by Redhill Marina

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Frogs in the lock chamber at Ratcliffle lock

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Approaching Kegworth

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Waiting at Kegworth Deep lock

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The disused chamber adjacent to Kegworth Deep Lock

 

Total Locks:     22 locks

Total mileage:  Approx 70 miles

Saturday 20 August 2011

Stoke Bardolph to Beeston

We said our goodbyes before setting off this morning. As we approached Nottingham we saw more and more police, Nottingham Forest were playing at home against Leicester. The singing got louder as we neared Castle Lock. A crowd of Leicester fans were outside the pub, it gave us a good laugh as we finally got through the lock. Moored at Beeston tonight where we plan to go out for a meal, along with Paul and Jo’s friends Pete and Anne.

015 Approaching Holme Lock. The exit for the white water course on the left

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Nottingham Forest Football Ground

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Waiting for the lock at Meadow Lane

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The Waterfront, Nottingham

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Castle Lock. The police looking on.

Friday 19 August 2011

Gunthorpe to Stoke Bardolph

We were planning to moor at Holme Pierrepont again, but as we left Stoke Lock moorings were available on the floating pontoon, so we took advantage. It is a beautiful part of the Trent and we had planned to meet Ian’s cousin Kate and Anthony who were joining us on their boat for a bbq. Unfortunately Paul and Jo had to go off in search of an emergency vet, Charlie had got caught up in some fishing line and the barbed hook had gone through the skin inside her mouth, luckily she didn’t swallow anything, but she did have to be sedated for them to remove it. They got back in time for the bbq, Charlie doing fine although still a bit wobbly on her legs and feeling rather sorry for herself.

001 The Unicorn, Gunthorpe

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Approaching Stoke Lock

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Stoke Lock

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Looking back from our moorings

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Kate and Anthony’s boat Curlew

Thursday 18 August 2011

Newark to Gunthorpe

Had a very enjoyable Italian meal Tuesday evening at Il Castello, finishing the night with a last drink in the micro brewery Just Beer. Spent yesterday exploring the historic market town of Newark, lunching at the White Hart. Set off this morning in grey cloud, but still quite pleasant. Luckily we managed to moor at Gunthorpe where we have yet to decide which one out of the three places we are going to eat in this evening.

001 Leaving our moorings outside the BW offices at Newark

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Leaving Newark Town Lock

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Ian’s sister and brother in law’s boat, Wine Down in the centre

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Cruising towards Gunthorpe hoping to miss the rain

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Waiting below the weir for the lock to open

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Moored for the night at Gunthorpe

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Holme Pierrepont to Newark

It was very blustery at times today on the Trent, but it did get better as the day progressed and we had a very enjoyable cruise.  Moorings were scarce and we ended up cruising to Newark before we found any suitable to get Paul & Jo’s dog Charlie off the boat. She did have to have a toilet stop at Hazleford lock, the only way we could get her off was by her life jacket attached to a rope and Ian and Paul lifting between them. Looking forward to eating out in Newark tonight.

004 Holme Lock

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nb Repent at Leisure

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Gunthorpe Bridge, where we were hoping to moor, but already full

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Still breezy, but the sun is out

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Derelict windmill

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Approaching Newark

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Newark Town Lock

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Newark Castle

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Newark’s Famous Floating Pub

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Moored for the night

Monday 15 August 2011

Trent Lock to Holme Pierrepont

We set off from Kegworth on Friday with a short trip to Loughborough staying overnight at the Soar Boat Club. Met up with Paul and Jo, nb Repent at Leisure, who we will be travelling to Newark with. Moved on to Trent Lock for another overnight and are now moored at Holme Pierrepont. Where we have spent the afternoon walking around the rowing lake and exploring the National Water Centre.

004 Moored at Trent Lock

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Cranfleet Lock

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Leaving Cranfleet Lock

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The River Trent, heading towards Beeston

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Nottingham Castle in the background

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Meadow Lane Lock

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Fellows Morton & Clayton Canal Museum

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Approaching Holme Lock

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White Water Course at the National Water Centre, Holme Pierrepont