Trent Lock

Long Eaton
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire

Related Waterways:

Trent Lock sits near the crossroads of the River Trent and the Erewash Canal.

For residents of Long Eaton and Nottingham, Trent Lock is an attractive destination for a weekend walk – or even an evening stroll to blow away the cobwebs. The surroundings are green and peaceful, narrowboats bob through the lock and all manner of dinghies race along the river from the Trent Valley Sailing Club. The Steamboat Inn is ideally situated for a waterside pint – maybe after a round of golf at the Trent Lock Golf Centre.

Walking at Trent Lock
Trent Lock to Sandiacre (3.5 miles / 5.6km):
The route begins at the junction of the River Trent and the Erewash Canal. Walk north along the towpath, through Long Eaton. After walking through Long Eaton, you will pass Dockholme Lock and Sandiacre Lock before arriving in Sandiacre. There are one or two pubs close to the banks of the canal here.

Sandiacre to Larkands (3 miles / 4.8km):
From Sandiacre, continue to walk northwards towards Larkands. You will be walking along the towpath and a section of the canal known as the 'Nutbrook Trail'.

Larkands to Great Northern Basin (4 miles / 6.4km):
From Larkands, carry on along the towpath, going through Ilkeston, then Cotmanhay. There is a pub by Shipley Lock if you need something to keep you going for the final mile and finishing up at Great Northern Basin and the end of the Erewash Canal.

Cycling
The following lengths of towpath are open to cyclists, but you must display a cycling permit - available free of charge from www.waterscape.com or by phoning 01636 704481.
Hallam Fields Lock to Dock Holme Lock (4.9 km)
Dockholme Lock to Derby Road Bridge (1.6 km): Well surfaced - maintained by the local council.
Derby Road Bridge to Sheet Stores Flood Gates (2.1 km): Please cycle with great care and courtesy to others, observing the Waterways Code for Cyclists.

Angling
You will find some good quality roach and chub in the Erewash, as well as bream, tench, some large carp and even the odd lurking pike. Pioneer Meadows near Kirk Hallam is a popular fishing pond with plenty of fish varieties to catch. Day and season tickets are available from local angling clubs.

Wildlife
Local nature reserves in and around the canal are:
Forbes Hole: Situated in Long Eaton, a small, yet diverse site with wetland, meadows, carr woodland and hard woodland habitats.
Stoney Clouds: Large outcropping of bunter sandstone, allowing excellent views around the area. Its name derives from the Saxon 'clud', meaning hill - hence 'Stoney Hill'.
Fox Covert: An area of wet woodland on the fringe of Long Eaton's West Park. At one time this was a brickworks, but it was eventually planted over during the 19th century to provide cover for foxes.
Nutbrook Junction & Trowell Marsh: A complex of nature reserve areas along the side of the Erewash Canal, including semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, scrub, grassland and swamp.

Download a Guide and map to Nottingham and the East Midlands’ Canals & Rivers

Back to list »