Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
13
Erewash Canal
Distance
19km from the Cromford Canal to the River Trent
Highlights
Bennerley Viaduct
Navigation Authority
Canal & River Trust
Canal Society
Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association
OS 1:50,000 Sheet
129 Nottingham & Loughborough
The Erewash Canal runs southwards from Eastwood to join the River Trent at Long Eaton.
Opened in 1779, it served the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire coalfield and its prosperity resulted
in the building of a number of other canals, the latter now all closed. Bought by the Grand
Union in 1932, the Erewash Canal was allowed to fall into disrepair, was brought back into use
during the Second World War, was again neglected and was finally restored and reopened in
1973 after a combined effort by the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association,
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils and British Waterways.
The canal closely follows the small River Erewash and is in turn followed by the railway
as far as Long Eaton. Indeed, it was a meeting in Eastwood early in the 19th century that led
to the establishment of the Midland Railway that was to result in the downfall of many of the
canals.
The Great Northern Basin at Eastwood has been restored to an attractive terminal with
grassed areas, seating, a swing bridge and the Great Northern public house. The large Langley
Mill stands near the A608. Two other canals join the Erewash at the basin above the first of
its 15 locks. The Cromford Canal has been cut in two by the collapse of a tunnel as a result of
mining subsidence. Subsidence has also resulted in the closure of the Nottingham Canal, the
line of which closely followed the Erewash Canal all the way to Trowell.
