Voyages of Gabriel: Newark to Nottingham

Wed 17^th Aug Newark to Farndon

It was threatening to rain most of today, but we needed to move on. Our first visit was downstream to Kings Marina for fuel. It appeared to be self-service, but there was no method of selecting the ratio of propulsion to domestic use. Tax is payable on the propulsion portion. James went to the office to ask about it and was told by the lady that it was not self-service, and she would sort it out. It was very complicated and time consuming, as the machine only dispensed 50L at a time. Also, when we had finished, we were told that the only propulsion/domestic mix we could have was 60/40. We usually declare 30/70. Last time we were here, the marina was privately owned, and dispensing fuel was easy. Now the place is owned by Aquavista.

Into Kings Marina

With a full tank and empty bank account once again, we set off back through the town in the rain, past our mooring on the Kiln to Newark Town Lock.

Past the Kiln

Old brewery facades

Past the castle

Sonning, an ex-Salter Bros boat from 1902

Wet gear in Newark Town Lock

There is a narrow section just after the lock, and we had heard by radio that a large community boat was coming through, so we held back until it was clear. Soon after this we spotted Leicester Trader, and research showed that this was one of the last surviving Trent barges, built in 1953.

Leicester Trader 1953

We joined the larger river once again at Averingham Weir, and finished our cruise for the day, just past Farndon Marina, where there was room on the C&RT visitor mooring. Later we saw Sonning turning round to return to Newark on a public cruise. Apparently Sonning was transported by road from the Thames to the Trent, an interesting challenge.

Farndon Marina

Sonning turning around

We had arranged to meet Caroline at the Farndon Ferry, which is named in our guide as Farndon Boathouse, and used to be called the New Ferry Restaurant. As there are two other pubs nearby, as well as a floating restaurant, it was good that we had discussed the options, and all ended up in the same place. It was great to catch up. Caroline lived in our home in Cobham with us for eight years, and even moved house with us, about thirty years ago.

Caroline Hazel James

1 lock, 4 miles. Dep 1015,arr 1030 Kings Marina. Dep 1115, arr 1230 Farndon

Thu 18^th Aug Farndon to Stoke

After a peaceful night at Farndon, we set off an hours cruise to the first lock at Hazelford.

A still morning at Farndon

Leaving Farndon

Arriving at Hazelford Lock, the traffic light was green. There was a cruiser by the moorings, moving very slowly. Assuming they were mooring up, we went on into the lock, as instructed by the lock keeper on the radio. To our surprise, the cruiser, Delta Lady, then followed in behind us, and we shared the lock.

Hazelford Lock approach

Hazelford Lock

There is another hour’s journey to the next lock at Gunthorpe, and at times the river looks very similar to the Thames opposite Beale Park. Delta Lady overtook us immediately after Hazelford Lock, but we caught them up at Gunthorpe, as some boats were coming down in the lock.

A bit like the Thames at Beale Park

Approach to Gunthorpe Lock

Gunthorpe Lock

Delta Lady moored on a pontoon at Gunthorpe, while we continued to Stoke Lock, where we had planned to moor on the pontoon above the lock.

Pontoon at Gunthorpe

Gunthorpe Road Bridge

Stoke Lock

We moored on the pontoon as planned, and it was very breezy, making lots of ripples. Sadly, we didn’t see the brood of ducklings we had seen a few weeks ago on the way downstream. We were joined by a cruiser and a narrowboat on the pontoon.

Water Art

Windy at Stoke

3 locks,14 miles. Dep 0930, arr 1340

Fri 19^th Aug Stoke to Nottingham

The wind had died down, and we had a glorious sunny morning at Stoke

Early reflections

Slightly later

On the pontoon

We departed upstream once more, at the same time as a cruiser called Brandy Snap, and they were in front all the way.

Radcliffe Railway Bridge

Piledrivers?

Holme Lock and Weir

Holme Lock with Brandy Snap

Holme Lock is the last manned lock, so our radio was no longer of any use as we approached Nottingham. Brandy Snap used Meadow Lane Lock first and we followed after, before using the services and filling up with water.

Lady Bay Bridge

Grantham Canal entrance (now derelict)

The hole in the wall

Sand Martin Chick

Meadow Lane Services

We were now on the Nottingham Canal, and Bridge 1 is a stone built typical canal bridge. Soon we were into the city with its large buildings and old warehouses. We had one more lock before we found a mooring by Sainsbury’s.