The Erewash Canal. We proceeded to the mouth of the Soar, and then across the Trent River to Trent Lock, which is the mouth of the Erewash Canal. This canal goes northward to Eastwood and Langley mill, where it connects with two other canals, both now derelict. Wedecided to explore, and did so, with some nice contrasts in scenery. Not highly travelled, the canal sometimes suffers from being silted up and shallow, but we met a dredging team, and I had no issues, even when mooring in rural locations. We cruised leisurely northwards, mooring in the country near Ilkeston. Then up to the terminus at the Great Northern Basin, and returning, moored in the country across the little valley from Eastwood church. The mornings were cool but clear, then clouding over a little and the wind getting brisk. Wednesday, we cruised back down the canal, through Trent junction, to the large lock at Beeston, where a canal section dodges around an unnavigable section of the large Trent River. Yesterday, we toured through Nottingham, back onto the river, and turned around in a very brisk wind. This showed clearly why narrowboats are really calm water boats: the wind sail area of the side of the boat when turning back into the wind causes the boat to list prominently, and to crab markedly to leeward. However, the turn completed, things returned to normal, and we returned to the city center, back to the canal, where Tim and Sheila met a Canadian friend and had a great visit. More city visiting today, a little shopping, as Tim and Sheila prepare for their return to Canada. I think they have had a reasonable time exploring Britain from the boating perspective.
pub in Nottingham built into the cliff face, with rooms that have rough stone walls like caves
vintage pub in Nottingham city center where we enjoyed traditional pub fare
