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.

Leaving Beeston lock, passing Beeston Marina

Approaching Cranfleet lock

Turning at Trent lock on to the River Soar

Passing by Redhill Marina

Frogs in the lock chamber at Ratcliffle lock

Approaching Kegworth

Waiting at Kegworth Deep lock

The disused chamber adjacent to Kegworth Deep Lock

 

Total Locks:     22 locks

Total mileage:  Approx 70 miles

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.

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

Nottingham Forest Football Ground

Waiting for the lock at Meadow Lane

The Waterfront, Nottingham

Castle Lock. The police looking on.

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.

The Unicorn, Gunthorpe

Approaching Stoke Lock

Stoke Lock

Looking back from our moorings

Kate and Anthony’s boat Curlew

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.

Leaving our moorings outside the BW offices at Newark

Leaving Newark Town Lock

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

Cruising towards Gunthorpe hoping to miss the rain

Waiting below the weir for the lock to open

Moored for the night at Gunthorpe

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.

Holme Lock

nb Repent at Leisure

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

Still breezy, but the sun is out

Derelict windmill

Approaching Newark

Newark Town Lock

Newark Castle

Newark’s Famous Floating Pub

Moored for the night

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.

Moored at Trent Lock

Cranfleet Lock

Leaving Cranfleet Lock

The River Trent, heading towards Beeston

Nottingham Castle in the background

Meadow Lane Lock

Fellows Morton & Clayton Canal Museum

Approaching Holme Lock

White Water Course at the National Water Centre, Holme Pierrepont