Trent lock: A Playboaters Guide
Trent Lock Weir, Located on The River Trent, Sawley, UK
Activity:
Playboating
Location: Lock Lane, Sawley, Long Eaton, NG10 2FY. Park at the Car Park on the right, next to the Trent Lock Pub. Do not park in the mariner as this causes trouble. (Do not access through Thrumpton Hall or the Power Station as both options cause lots of trouble) get on river left. Walk down to the river, get on and paddle downstream on the main (biggest) river (not the canal) until you reach a set of river wide weir buoys that must be negotiated with care. Just after the railway bridge head hard right. You can get out here in the eddy next to the small building.
Level The level can be checked on the Collwick Gauge. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/120752.aspx?stationId=2102 It runs at different levels depending on whether it is rising or falling. It seems to be a good bet between 2.9 -3.5m. There is no way of checking if the weir is running prior to getting on the water. Always visually, check the weir before dropping down making sure it is safe for your ability.
Dangers At high flows the weir can form a stopper in certain areas, but river right has always been fine to our knowledge. Debris can be an issue in high flows as can water quality.
Notes Nice pub at the get off for some much needed refreshments. Longer faster hulls work best.Featuring: http://www.vepaddles.co.uk/glass-paddles
Dale Mears & Stu Morris
