As part of a two day expedition cycled from Lower Kilburn to Loughborough taking in the sights via two local waterways. First part of the journey was on road through Heanor and onto Langley Mill to join the Erewash Canal (which starts slightly further up country at Eastwood). The Canal can accessed through a gate behind KFC. The Canal runs adjacent for the most part with the River Erewash and the Midland Mainline with all three visible to each other at some sections and so representing the historical progression of transportation in the area quite vividly from paddle to horse drawn to steam and then to diesel. The Canal winds through the backyards of Ilkeston, Long Eaton, and Sandicre passing the now defunct Derby Canal spur on it’s way to canal’s end at Trent Lock. Never having peddled down this towpath before it’s an easy going hidden gem of a waterway and beautiful in the sunshine.  The trip only slightly marred by the multiple K-Bar gates that are ubiquitous along urban waterways these days. Trent Lock is some 16 miles from Lower Kilburn.

We crossed the Trent via the Railway Bridge to the west which has a handy pedestrian bridge strapped to it’s side and after negotiating Sawley Marina and the A453 (via a short cut through the bushes) we crashed onto the River Soar/ Grand Union Canal (Leicester Branch) ‘tow path’. Peddler be warned though the River Soar/ Grand Union Canal (Leicester Branch) is essentially geared up for walkers for this initial part – and as we were to find out essentially for all of it’s journey to Leicester. Whilst the going is restricted to a dirt path/ furrow and bumpy in places it can be negotiated easily by an MTB or Hybrid. What proved more difficult were the multitude of styles and restricted gates where we had to bump and hump the bikes over the top. Despite seeking to perfect our style between panniers on panniers off front wheel first back wheel first it never became any easier and ended up being a chore that detracted from the experience overall. Additionallly the Hawthorn hedgerow that seems to track every Canal in the land caused us some difficulties and required ‘eyes down’ vigilance in places and the gift of a puncture just before Loughborough. People are pleasant though and we pass some jolly anglers on Route.

Journey’s end at Loughborough Basin and a night at the Loughborough Premier Inn.