Gunthorpe to Newark
18th May 2022 – Gunthorpe to Newark (13.5 miles, 3 Locks, 3.5 hours cruise)
We awoke, excited to be travelling new waters for us as last time Gunthorpe Lock was having problems and although they could get us through, there was no guarantee of a return journey in the time we needed.
Gunthorpe is a village and civil parish in Nottinghamshire, with a population of below 1000, its Bridge is the only road bridge over the river between Newark and Nottingham, completed in 1925 it replaced a large iron toll bridge dating back to 1875. There has been a crossing at Gunthorpe since the Danes established a ferry crossing here, which was mentioned in the Domesday book.
Built in 1926, Gunthorpe Lock is one of the largest locks on the River Trent, circa 150 ft long (almost the height of Nelson's Column) by 24 ft wide, discharging around 800 tons of water when being operated.
Originally constructed to accommodate four Trent ketches (two-masted sailboat), Gunthorpe lock was mechanised in 1959. The bottom lock gate weighs 14,600 kgs, "equivalent to 5 adult elephants". The Trent ketch was built specifically for commercial transport along the Trent and they were all capable of carrying cargoes of up to 40 tons between Newark and the Humber estuary.
Adjacent to the lock is Gunthorpe Weir which is ca. 110 m wide and maintains the flow of water along the Trent. A proposal to generate renewable energy by constructing a low-head hydro-electric power plant (Hydropower) was commissioned in 2019 as part of an renewable energy scheme.
With a morning lock booking for 10:00am we had to get up early, 🙄 for us, but nothing too drastic as the lock was just 2 minutes from our mooring. 😊. Safely through the lock we headed towards our destination for the day - Newark.
The next six or so miles is considered to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the whole river, to our starboard side, a canopy of green woodland trees hug the sides of the cliffs as it rises up to 200ft from the river floor. An array of wild birds singing, fishing and darting in and out of the trees only serve to enhance today’s cruise. To our Port side, by contrast, the ground is flat and dotted with walker’s, most taking their four legged companions for their morning exercise. The weather only served to enrich this celestial experience still further.
With the tiller firmly in hand, Steph guided us along the river, past Hazelford Ferry Hotel, which is now a care home and onwards to Hazelford lock. Gliders, from the nearby RAF Cranwell airfield, floating effortlessly across the skyline, our only distraction was the sight of Cormorants as they vanished below the waterline diving for a nice meal, no doubt.
Some boaters use VHF radios before they approach the locks to communicate to the Lockkeepers their intentions. We don’t have one, but used the list of mobile phone numbers we were given, which seems to serve equally as well. Hazelford Lock was ready, with the green light shining to indicate we were ok to enter. Once through the lock we continued our journey to Newark.
Beyond Hazelford lock the landscape changes again, leaving behind the steep Trent Hills for the tempting sights of The Bromley at Fiskerton. An attractive riverside pub set beside an old wharf. With signs of Real Ale and pontoon moorings, it was almost to much to pass, but we did 😓.
As we meander along the Trent, we soon draw level with Fosse Way, an old roman way that cuts across England from Lincoln to Exeter, before cruising pass Staythorpe Power Station and on to Newark Cut or Dyke. It’s strange to see signs limiting boats to 4MPH on this section, as normally on the canals, that’s the fastest you would go anyway. Apparently it’s to protect this section of the river from boat wash. We soon go under Mill Bridge and approach Newark Town Lock. Again we share the lock with NB Sefton, the lock graciously operated by CRT volunteers.
The River is soon dominated by Newark Castle, although a ruin, coupled with a splendid listed old seven-arched stone bridge, you have the feeling you are entering a town full of history.
