Objective: Cycle from Trent Lock, Long Eaton, along the length of the Erewash Canal to the Great Northern Basin at Langley Mill. Head back down the path of the disused Nottingham Canal as far as it goes, then cut through the suburbs of Nottingham down to the River Trent, and back to the start point via the River Trent and Cranfleet Canal (aka Cranfleet Cut).
Trip Type: solo cycle, circular ride
Distance: approx. 28 miles
Time to complete: 3.5 hrs, 8.5 mph
Nicholson Guide: Guide 3, pp 81-85
Costs: free parking at Trent Lock. No train required as this is a circular ride.
Difficulty: fair
Adjacent Rides: Long Eaton to Burton, Cromford Canal, Nottingham and Beeston Canals
Overview
A very enjoyable ride along 3 canals, with mostly decent riding conditions, some road riding, and some off-road tracks. Just a few rough muddy parts. Although the ride uses the Erewash Valley Trail, some signposts are missing and it is easy to take a wrong turn so beware. There’s a choice of pubs at the end including one particularly good one.
1. Trent Lock to Great Northern Basin (11 miles)
Park for free in the car park at Trent Lock, Long Eaton, NG10 2FY.
Cycle round the Trent Lock pub to the canal and cross at the river lock. Take the towpath up the canal. You will see the Erewash Valley Trail signs, which are good on this part of the ride but not so reliable on the return leg. The towpath is metalled and good. On a couple of sections it runs parallel to the canal, a few yards away. After half a mile there is a very low bridge – mind your head.
At Gallows Inn go up and cross over the road, as there are steps by Gallows Lock (67). The same applies at Barkers Lock (70). [By the way, the lock numbers continue from the River Soar / Grand Union Leicester Branch, whereas the bridge numbers start from 1 at the River Trent, in case you were wondering.]
The towpath worsens towards Langley Mill, with tree roots, mud and ruts.
As you near the basin, pass under Nottingham Road, A608, and up the shallow flight of steps, doubling back to the road. Cross the bridge and turn left towards the basin on a metalled path. Cross the wooden swing bridge which is at the start of the Nottingham Canal, turn left on the access road and almost immediately take the path off to the right, which goes round the back of the Great Northern Basin. This returns to the water, which is at the start of the Cromford Canal, which only continues for about 100m at this point. There are plans to restore this section, but currently you pick it up further along when doing the Cromford Canal ride. Return to Nottingham Road, A608.
2. Great Northern Basin to River Trent (14 miles)
Turn left on Nottingham Road, cross over and take Anchor Road on the right. After 500m, where the track bends right, take the path to your left to go straight on. Follow this through woods to Tinsley Road. Turn right then left to continue on the track. Every so often you will see remaining water holding sections of the Nottingham Canal. Cross Newmanly Road South and continue on the track.
As you approach Winston the Wind Turbine follow the track right for 200m, then left. Keep slightly left at the triangular junction and at the hedgerow turn left for 200m then sharp right towards the A6906, Shilo Way. You are back at the canal, so follow the track between the canal and Shilo Way.
Where the path emerges at a pedestrian crossing, cross the road and continue on the right side of the canal. A short arm goes off to the left. Follow the canal for a few miles until it passes under the M1 motorway. Shortly after the path diverts around the appropriately named Trowell Garden Centre. There is a tricky, narrow, overgrown path round the back of the garden centre back to the canal.
At Coventry Lane, A6002, the path emerges onto the road. Cross, and the path continues 50m to your right. It then passes through a wood and under a railway line on a muddy slippery path, before emerging at Latimer Drive, a housing estate road. Turn right, and follow the road round to the right, then as it turns right again into a cul-de-sac cut through left on the path to Moor Lane. Turn left.
Cycle down Moor Lane to Derby Road, A52, a dual carriageway. Turn right to cross at the pedestrian crossing. Back left then right onto Bridle Road (the continuation of Moor Lane).
After crossing Cow Lane turn right on Claremont Avenue. Turn right on The Chancery. After 75m take the signed cycleway on the right, and continue to Chilwell Lane. Turn left down the hill. Chilwell Lane turns into Bramcote Lane then School Lane, which emerges at a T-junction opposite the Charlton Arms. Turn right on High Road which bends left and becomes Attenborough Lane. Cross the A6005 and continue on Attenborough Lane to the station and level crossing. The lane bends to the right. Turn left on The Strand and carry on into the nature reserve. Continue straight on until you reach the River Trent.
3. Cranfleet Canal to Trent Lock
Turn right along the river bank and continue until you reach the Cranfleet Canal, which is a cut. Continue along the towpath and under the railway line, emerging at Trent Lock. Cross at the lock to return to the car park.
There are two pubs at Trent Lock: the Trent Lock itself, which is an eating pub; the Steamboat Inn is much more quirky and interesting. However I would recommend a visit to The White Lion at Sawley, NG10 3AT, which has a great range of beers including (when I visited) Titanic Cherry Porter, and is open every day. Unfortunately the brewery behind closed in January 2024.