Grade: 1 (up to 2 in parts in high waters)
Distance: 94.8 miles
The 3rd longest river in the UK at 185 miles long, the River Trent is one of the major rivers in the Midlands. The river rises in the Staffordshire moors and flows through much of the midlands and most of the ‘shires.’
After this it meanders through large industrial cities including Stoke-on-Trent and Nottingham before joining the River Ouse. It enters the North Sea via the Humber Estuary.
What to see paddling along the River Trent
There’s lots to see if you paddle on the Trent, and with it being such a long river, it’s a great place for a touring adventure or multi-day paddle.
The historic and much loved medieval bridge at Swarkestone crosses the river near Derby. It’s a very impressive feat and well worth a paddle under!
Newark Castle is also right on the banks of the Trent at, you guessed it, Newark. Plus there’s several areas to mooch at Nottingham. Enjoy the Embankment, which is a thriving area, especially when the sun is out. It’s a good place to get on or stop off. It is close to County and Forest football stadiums and the Outlaw’s Trent Bridge cricket ground.
All in all there’s a lot to see on the river from sprawling countryside to inner city environments.
Paddlers should be aware of the weir at Newark, which is a popular surf spot or playboating spot.
It’s also worth noting that much of the river is quite wide, relatively fast flowing and exposed so check river levels and weather/wind before heading out for a paddle.
