Sawley Marina : Suggested Cruises

Hireacanalboat and Canaltime Customers

Please be aware there are restrictions in cruising areas. For details and confirmation of routes please refer to the website www.canaltime.com or www.hireacanalboat.co.uk

The Erewash Canal

The canal is 11 miles long and runs down the Erewash Valley from Langley Mill to its junction with the River Trent at Trent Lock. This is an important crossroads on the waterways system.

Its original purpose was to transport coal from the rich coalfields of the Erewash Valley. The canal prospered and its shareholders appeared to be well satisfied.

Although many earlier industries alongside have disappeared, the canal continues to remind us of its previous history. It passes through urban areas and open countryside.

Those who visit it from farther afield are surprised by its contrasting aspects and variation of interests.

The Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal

The Leicester Line leaves the City at the West Bridge and on its Southwards route, the canal initially passes through an urban area punctuated by green havens, themed gardens and a nature reserve. The countryside of rural south Leicestershire is particularly quiet and the neighbouring towns and villages are some distance away from the canal.

The 24 miles between Leicester and Foxton (including 5 miles of the Market Harborough Arm) has 23 locks which allow the passage of boats 11ft 6in wide. However, it is generally accepted and publicised that for practical reasons the maximum beam of boats using the canal is 7 feet. These locks raise the canal towards its ultimate level of about 400 feet above sea level and this makes it one of the highest canals in the region.

The Market Harborough Arm takes the canal to its terminus just to the north of the town centre. A recent extension to the basin, building development alongside and the other restoration works will once again mean that the waterway is a focal point at Market Harborough.

The canal continues its route southwards of Foxton by initially rising 75 feet via the famous flight of Foxton locks. This is a very popular area visited by thousands of sightseers every year.

The River Soar Navigation

The Soar is one of the country's most attractive navigable rivers. Its unique charm is derived from the curious nature of the navigation being for the most part a river, but with occasional stretches of canal.

These differences are mirrored in the scenery which varies from tranquil water meadows and peaceful villages to formal parks and busy town centres. The evidence of old watermills, picturesque lockkeepers cottages and interesting wharves and warehouses provide a constant reminder of the river\'s former importance for industry and commerce. Today the river provides a leisurely route linking city, two and countryside and offers many opportunities for recreation.

The navigation was initially formed between the River Trent and Loughborough before being extended to Leicester.

The Upper Trent

The Trent is one of England's major rivers, draining a vast catchment of the country. It rises in Staffordshire and joins the River Humber before flowing into the sea. It is a very historic river and for centuries has been a prime trade route and socially important feature.

It comprises main river and canals and contains junctions with three other waterways - the Trent and Mersey Canal, the Erewash Canal and the River Soar.

The waterway accommodates one of the largest concentrations of boats on inland waterways. The largest marina on the waterway (and probably the largest inland marina in the U.K.) is at Sawley. A restaurant, boat repairs, 5000 square foot chandlery, small retail shops and boat trips contribute towards making the marina an ideal destination for a visit and where you be welcomed to moor you own boat.

The navigation route leaves the main river at Beeston and hoes by way of two artificial canals for five miles rejoining the main river near Trent Bridge at Nottingham.

Along the waterway you will find an intriguing mixture of old and new industries, modern and historic buildings as well as one of the country's largest power stations which takes much of its water for cooling from the river.

In Nottingham and immediately opposite the new magistrates court is the former depot of Fellows Morton and Clayton, who were once the country\'s largest canal carrying company. The historic warehouse is now transformed and together with new development alongside, forms an exciting focal point with its themed pubs, restaurants and seating areas. The canal through Nottingham is now a revitalised destination, catering for a wide variety of interests.

The Trent & Mersey

The Trent & Mersey Canal is one of the most important and interesting inland waterways in Great Britain. The Canal was largely the creation of Josiah Wedgwood, who in the mid 18th century, saw the need to find a more efficient way to bring coal, china clay and flint to his potteries at Stoke-on-Trent and to take the finished wares to their buyers.

The Trent & Mersey Canal begins at Derwent Mouth - a waterway junction formed by the canal, the River Derwent and the River Trent. The first canal lock, Derwent Mouth, is overlooked by a big chestnut tree beyond which is Shardlow.

Shardlow is a good example of a small canal port, and is well preserved. The Trent Mill has a wide central arch to enable boats to load and off-load. This location dates from 1797.