Objective: Cycle from Trent Lock, Long Eaton, along the River Trent, and Trent & Mersey Canal to Burton-on-Trent. Take the train back to Long Eaton.
Trip Type: solo cycle
Distance: 22 miles
Time to complete: 2 hrs 15 min, 8.5 mph
Nicholson Guide: Guide 3, pp 175-181
Costs: free parking at Trent Lock. Train from Burton to Long Eaton £4.50 upwards (prices vary)
Difficulty: fair
Adjacent Rides: Erewash and Nottingham Canals, Fazeley Junction to Burton
Overview
A straightforward ride, initially along the River Trent, then the Trent & Mersey Canal. Towpaths are generally decent, some metalled, with a few muddy sections, but nothing too strenuous. A choice of pubs in either Burton or Trent Lock to finish, and an easy train journey back.
1. Trent Lock to Burton
Park in the Trent Lock car park, NG10 2FY, for free.
From the car park cycle past the Trent Lock pub and turn right on the riverside path along the Trent. The towpath is initially good, then turns to grass or earth in places. After 1.5 miles cross the river on a railway bridge and turn right on the canal section. Head up Sawley Locks, with the canal on your left. Unfortunately the Lockkeepers Rest micropub is now closed.
At the top of the locks is Tamworth Road, B6540. Cross the road bridge to continue on the left side of the canal. Pass under the M1 motorway.
Carry on around the lakes on your left. As the river bends to the left briefly join a private track, cross the river on a footbridge, double back on yourself briefly and turn left onto the canal. This is where the River Derwent joins the Trent.
Pass through Shardlow, after which the towpath is earth and narrow but rideable. Pass under Derby Southern Bypass, A50. Once past Weston conditions improve for a while with a wide, flat path.
Continue past Swarkestone, Barrow Upon Trent and Willington, after which the canal runs close to the A38.
As you approach Burton you cross the River Dove on an aqueduct. As I rode into Burton (summer 2024) the towpath was being widened and metalled.
After Dallow Lock (7) but before the Shobnall Road bridge (33), take the alleyway to Ravens Way. Take Waverley Lane, Shobnall Street, St. Paul’s Street West, go round St. Paul’s Church, King Edward Place, straight on to Borough Road and the railway station is on your right. If you have time for a pint before you catch your train then visit the spectacularly unspoilt Coopers Tavern on Cross Street, DE14 1EG, just 5 minutes away, which unfortunately doesn’t open until 5pm.
2. Long Eaton Station to Trent Lock
Trains are 2-3 per hour, some direct, some via Derby. Cross Country trains always have an non-reserved cycle space.
Emerging from Long Eaton station turn sharp right on Tamworth Road, B6540. After 300m, by the Bell Inn, turn left on Netherfield Road. At the end turn left again on Lock Lane and go over the level crossing. After half a mile the road bends right down towards Trent Lock.
The Trent Lock pub is rather dull, but the Steamboat Inn across the other side of the canal is a strangely interesting pub with lots of memorabilia and a decent choice of beers.