The Erewash Canal

We have just returned from an enjoyable cruise on the Erewash Canal.  Having travelled to  Trent Lock to begin our journey, the visitor moorings were full, so moored a little further on at bridge 2c.  

The lock cottages built in 1779 at Sandiacre Lock are now a museum run by the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association where they hold historical events and talks.

Lock Cottages - Sandiacre lock

Just above the lock there are some moorings with rings, however we carried on to the Sandiacre town centre to the visitor moorings and moored up for lunch and provisions.

Visitor moorings - Sandiacre

The visitor moorings are on both sides of the canal and provide easy access to a wide variety of shops including Lidl supermarket.

We moored for the evening just above the delightful, rural Pasture lock where 'The Owl' kindly did some drone footage of us and made a youtube video which is great, click on the link to view     Coventina in Pasture lock

Langley Mill Basin

The locks are quite tough, but all in working order. We arrived at Langley Mill Basin and after using the facilities, moored on the visitor moorings. 

We were really lucky to witness the hatching of some cygnets nesting in the basin.  There are plenty of shops, including supermarkets at Langley Mill and a train station. We enjoyed a nice lunch at a lovely cafe, Basilia 10 minutes walk.

The second night at Langley Mill we moored just below the lock, there are spaces for approximately  two boats here. 

On our return journey we stopped off for a quick visit to the Bennerley Viaduct at Ilkeston.  This is a grade 2 listed disused railway viaduct built in 1877 which spans the Erewash Valley between Awsworth and Ilkeston.  Walking across this fantastic structure offers some great views.  

Bennerley Viaduct

On our return journey we moored just below Pastures Lock which has a lovely view of Sandiacre.

This has been an enjoyable trip and well worth the effort.  Everyone we spoke to on the towpath were really friendly.  We have had a great time and will definitely be returning.