Arrived yesterday from Shardlow. Another fine day, it's cruising as it used to be before the recent years of poor summers. Only surprises were the mechanised locks at Sawley and finding lock handles welded onto the paddles on the locks on the River Trent ... pleasant surprises. At Beeston Lock a paddle is left up on leaving, both at the top and at the bottom. Assume this is to provide a flow into the canal but must remember to close one of the paddles before operating.
Moored near Castle Marina at the back of Sainsburys. Although well screened there is just a short path to the main entrance with only money separating us from everything we might need!
Although official CRT moorings they are not particularly good, with stretches of missing rings, which mean we moored in a long empty space leaving small gaps at either end. Also, a disproportionate number of scruffy looking boats that suggest live aboards working locally. A well used towpath and surprising quiet at night despite a road on the opposite bank.
No winding holes shown in Nicholsons Guide but no prohibition on turning in the marina entrance. Boats can be turned below Castle Lock.
Meeting school and university friends for lunch.
