Deep lock trouble



On the Trent



approaching the River Soar

The weather was grey and overcast when we woke but there was signs it would become brighter. As we approached Derwent Mouth Lock a boat shut the gates and descended without us. By the time we had refilled the lock two more boats had arrived. As one was only 32 foot they fitted behind our 40 footer in the 80 foot lock so all three boats descended together sharing the work.



River Soar on the right, weir opposite on the left

We had a lovely cruise down the wide River Trent. The short boat stopped at the marina but the other shared the next lock with us. They turned off for the Erewash canal while we turned onto the Soar. The pull of the huge weir was strong even though we stayed near the opposite bank and the river was at normal levels

Cruiser waters

Last time we tried to cruise this river we had to turn back after a few hours as a huge storm was on the way. The Soar reacts quickly and dramatically to rainfall so we got off while we could.

and large barges

Though the weather posed no threat this time we soon heard of a greater problem. One boater coming towards us said there were problems with the lock gates at Kegworth deep lock. Another boater said the CaRT men could not fix it but boats were still getting through while a third boater said the lock had closed and boats were turning round.

The captain phoned CaRT for information but the local office went to answer phone. Perhaps they were out checking the lock. We cruised on to see for ourselves. A few minutes later we saw two CaRT guys walking the towpath and asked if they knew what was happening. They seemed sure a CaRT man had turned up to fix it so we carried on.

Above Kegworth Deep Lock

As we reached Kegworth Deep Lock a CaRT man was packing his van having just changed the collar on one gate. The Captain went to work the lock then chased back to the van with a windlass the CaRT man had left at the gate.

We were first through the lock after its repair but it took two of us to open the heavy gates. I pity the single-handers around here.



passing moored narrowboats

Safe as houses above any flood

We moored around the corner above the lock in a peaceful spot for lunch. It was so idyllic it was hard to move off again afterwards, especially as we had no idea where we would moor that evening as we had turned round at the next lock last time. However it was lovely cruising along taking in new sights and sounds. The river was wide one minute then narrow and meandering the next. In some places it was like a lake, in others only wide enough for one boat. Herons seemed plentiful so the water must be rich with fish.

After three more locks interspaced with rural cruising we stopped in Loughborough at the visitor moorings. It was amazingly quiet for a town.