Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Recent deep pits on the left are followed by works on both sides before the canal breaks
into open country. There are extensive views over the Erewash valley on the right towards
Shipley, Lawrence's Shepstone, and the scenery is generally at its best as the canal winds
through copses. Bridges have flat, cast-iron decks between simple abutments, built in the dark
brick of the area. Occasionally, there are collections of old lorries and other debris beside the
canal. Graffiti mostly relates to angling and, although the canal is quite wide, anglers rest the
tips of their long rods on the opposite bank to the one on which they are sitting.
The disused Bennerley Viaduct at Awsworth
.
The Nottingham and Erewash Canals leave the Great Northern Basin at Eastwood
.
Locks often have bypass channels with steep drops at the entry ends. Eastwood Lock has
a plaque remembering local author DH Lawrence on the right side. Lawrence was born in
New Eastwood and based so many of his books on the area. One,
The Rainbow
, describes the
effects of canal construction.
The river being the county boundary, the canal moves from Nottinghamshire to Derbyshire
for the rest of its route.
Shipley Lock had the Shipley Boat Inn, Shipley Gate being Lawrence's Shipley Boat-
house, and a selection of buildings that were formerly a slaughterhouse and stable block,
