The non-tidal section of the River Trent offers boaters a picturesque and historically significant waterway, stretching from its source in Staffordshire to Cromwell Lock, where the tidal river begins. This part of the river runs through the heart of the East Midlands, providing a peaceful cruising experience surrounded by scenic countryside and historic towns like Newark and Nottingham.
Historically, the River Trent has been a vital trade route since Roman times, with its navigable sections being improved over the centuries. During the Industrial Revolution, it became an essential waterway for transporting coal, goods, and raw materials, connecting the Midlands with the Humber Estuary and the North Sea.
There are 15 locks on the non-tidal Trent, including notable ones like Sawley Lock, which is close to the junction with the Trent and Mersey Canal, and Newark Town Lock, situated in the historic market town of Newark. These locks are generally large and user-friendly, designed to accommodate commercial vessels, though today they’re mainly used by leisure boaters.
The river connects with several significant canals and rivers, providing excellent cruising opportunities. These include:
- Trent and Mersey Canal: At Derwent Mouth, offering access to the canal network westward toward Staffordshire and Cheshire.
- Erewash Canal: Near Trent Lock, which leads to the former coalfields and the Nottingham Canal.
- River Soar: Joining the Trent near Redhill, providing a route south towards Leicester and the Grand Union Canal.
- Chesterfield Canal: Via a short stretch of the River Trent at West Stockwith, offering access to the canal leading toward Worksop and beyond.
Interesting features along the non-tidal River Trent include the iconic Trent Bridge in Nottingham, a historic crossing point, and the Attenborough Nature Reserve, which sits alongside the river, offering fantastic wildlife viewing. Newark Castle, overlooking the river, adds a medieval charm to the journey. Boaters also enjoy the wide, deep waters of the Trent, which provide smooth cruising and are well-suited to larger boats and narrowboats alike.