End of Erewash – Langley Mill

Still travelling with our lovely companions: Bob & Caroline, we agreed a set off time of at 0845 and travelled with some trepidation as the outskirts of Ilkeston were supposed to be a bit, well, dodgy.  However, it all seemed fine to us. Still finding all the locks very heavy, hard to shift and paddle gear that refuses to budge. Bob’s magic ratchett windlass managed to shift em all.Some very low bridges and the final stretch above Eastwood lock was a mass of green – covered in weed and propeller grabbing reeds underneath. Very slow progress – African Queen stuff indeed but we made it and even managed to fit in the wee basin at the end.  This is the end of the Erewash but the start of what was the Cromford canal and Nottingham canal. Not a very scenic spot but very handy for Asda, B&Q and a great pub: The Great Northern.

An unusual sign – looked around for em but didn’t see any.

The start of the green stretch …

The Great Northern Basin

Nice meal in the pub (2 for £10! Plus Oakham beer …) and then the trek back tomorrow … .