River Trent
Historically one of England's major trading rivers, the River Trent rises in the Staffordshire hills near Stoke-on-Trent. It grows in stature as it flows through Burton-on-Trent, Shardlow - where it becomes navigable - Nottingham, Newark and Gainsborough to Trent Falls. There, it joins the River Humber.
The River Trent has been an historic highway as far back as the Bronze Age when it formed part of the trade route between the Continent and the metal-working industry in Ireland. The Romans recognised the value of the river as a route from the sea to the centre of England, and later it acted as an easy route for Viking invaders to attack Nottingham. Its principal tributaries are the rivers Derwent, Dove, Soar, Erewash and Devon, as well as many small watercourses which discharge into the river.
The non-tidal reaches above Cromwell Lock are generally suitable for most inland vessels except after periods of heavy rainfall. Below the lock the tidal section demands respect, and the lower reaches should only be tackled by suitable vessels and crews.
Download a Guide and map to Nottingham and the East Midlands’ Canals & Rivers
The National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) together with the Commercial Boat Operators Association (CBOA) have produced a leaflet of advice for skippers on the River Trent. For extra information about cruising the Trent, boaters should also download a British Waterways Boaters' Guide, which can be found on the right.
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