Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
has handrails leading up one side to the air-release valve at the top, giving an undeserved
appearance of dilapidation. Almost below it are the remains of a swing bridge, protected by
heavy piling at each side of the navigation.
Torksey Lock with its unusual capstan-operated gates. Tidal water lies beyond .
The windmill on the south side of the village is not seen from the water, just the arms of
JCBs in a depot next to the navigation.
The Pike House Inn stands on the left of the waterway. Soon after, a signpost to Dodding-
ton Hall, built in 1595 and never sold since, tops the embankment as a tunnel appears under
it. The sign is for the benefit of users of the B1190 as the Wigsley Drain diverges from it after
600m and moves off in a more southerly direction.
The navigation turns through a right angle at Drinsey Nook, into a 4km length that is al-
most straight, more what the Romans might have been expected to build. As it makes the
turn, the cooling towers of the former power station at High Marnham are in sight, a scene
that is to be repeated. The largest building on this length is a battery chicken farm. Buildings
of any sort are spaced well apart.
The banks have deer escape ramps and masses of cow parsley, together with deadly night-
shade, blackberries, toadflax, yellow iris and mustard from time to time. The navigation is
free of vegetation except for floating weed at the edges.
The navigation's only lock, Torksey Lock, is 400m from the end and acts as the tidal limit,
being operable only near high water because of a shallow cill. Its gates are operated by un-
usual elegant iron capstans. It is possible to carry a small boat right and across the A156,
getting in again at a pontoon on the far side of the road. Relaunching as before on a set of
pontoons where a kingfisher might be found perching. The Wheel House Restaurant is on the
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