A. The Erewash Canal tracks along the border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, meandering through the countryside, and around the edges of the area's towns and villages. In some parts urban, some parts rural, the canal plots a course through the area's natural and cultural heritage. This trail covers the top section of the canal, heading from the village of Langley Mill through to Ilkeston as it passes through the Erewash Valley.
B. On-road parking is available on Linkmel Road, by the Great Northern Pub. Access to the canal can be gained by walking a short distance on the main road past the pub, taking the second entrance to the canal basin by descending the steps to the canal below the lock. Enter the water just past the road bridge (by
KFC).
C. Soon after beginning the trail, the scenery opens out leaving industrial units behind and heading into open countryside, with views across the Erewash Valley. The River Erewash tracks close by the canal here, usually not much more than a shallow stream. After passing the two bridges, you begin to approach Eastwood Lock (No 73). The countryside to the left here was once occupied by Eastwood Colliery.
D. The colliery (closed in 1884) was served not only by the Erewash Canal but also the Nottingham Canal and a branch of the Great Northern Railway. Portage the lock on the towpath side, where the bank is low. The put-in point after the lock can either be done on the towpath side, down the grass bank, or by crossing the footbridge. The second option is usually the easiest, especially after wet weather. As you set off again, note the remains of stone buttresses which once held the viaduct carrying the railway over the canal.
E. The canal crosses over the River Erewash as you begin to approach Shipley Lock. This area was once a thriving wharf, bringing coal down from Shipley Colliery.
F. Portage Shipley Lock (No 72) on the towpath side. To get back on the water, carefully cross the road where there is a much easier bank, rather than using the steeper bank between the road and lock. The canal continues traveling through open countryside. Soon the fields to the right give way to housing and playing fields, as the canal begins to track the outskirts of Ilkeston. To the left, you will begin to see the steel lattice construction of the Bennerley Viaduct. A Grade II* listed structure, the viaduct opened in 1878.
G. The next lock, shortly after passing Bennerley Viaduct, is Stenson's Lock (No 71). Paddle fairly close to the lock to take advantage of the low sides for portaging, with similarly low sides below the lock for the get-in point. Shortly after Stenson's Lock, you approach Ilkeston Town Football Club and arrive at Barker's Lock (No 70). Although a simple portage, the road which passes over the canal here can be busy, with poor visibility for drivers crossing the bridge. Where possible use the steps down and under the road bridge, which also brings you to the best place to re-enter the canal.
