Paddle from the City Ground across the River Trent to join the Nottingham Canal. Paddle through the city towards Beeston. There, you’ll return to the Trent and paddle back to the start point. (Waterways licence required. Find out more).
Distance: 9.3 miles (15km)
Time: 3 hours
Sat Nav: NG2 3BP
What3Words: ///knocking.shorthand.costs
Find the full route on PaddlePoints >>
We began our trip at the City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest Football Club.
We parked in one of several spaces to nearside of the Trent End side of the stadium, but don’t attempt this on matchdays.
We launched our boats from the bank before paddling straight across the river towards Meadow Lane lock.
There’s a landing stage to get on to, and from there you simply carry your craft up the ramp.
At the top, continue walking past Meadow Lane lock before getting onto the Nottingham and Beeston Canal.
From there you paddle towards Nottingham city centre, passing underneath Nottingham rail bridge.
With the Island Quarter to your right, which includes Binks Yard, we followed the canal to the left.
If you follow this route you’ll pass under Trent Street and then Carrington Street, before reaching an area popular with drinkers and diners.
Fellows, Morton and Clayton, and the Canal House, are great places for a pint or a soft drink.
Continue along the canal until you reach Castle Lock, next to the Navigation Inn, where you will have to get out.
After getting back in, you will have views of the splendid Nottingham Canal to your right.
Continue past Castle Marina, and then under Clifton Boulevard.
As the canal merges into the Beeston Canal the route gets greener and more rural, before you eventually reach Beeston Lock.
You can break up the route by visiting the Canalside Heritage Centre for cake and coffee (NG9 1LZ).
After refreshments, get back onto the River Trent at Owen’s Beach, ahead of Beeston Rylands Weir.
As you continue down the Trent, you’ll pass Wilford Church and paddle under Wilford Bridge, before finally reaching the famous Trent Bridge.
With the flow behind you it doesn’t take too long to get back to the start point.
Find the full route on PaddlePoints >>
