My Walking Journeys

Tag: nottingham

Exploring Nottingham’s New Pedestrian Bridge: A Scenic 9.5-Mile Walk

Nov 18th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Mick and I enjoyed a 9.5-mile circular walk which had two aims. Firstly, to see the new pedestrian bridge across the River Trent and secondly to avoid muddy fields.

Our route

We caught a bus to Radcliffe which was the start of the walk. The bus was full of passengers so it was squeeze to disembark – especially carrying large rucksacks. Well, it was rush hour so what did we expect!

We headed to Holme Pierrepont and The National Water Sports Centre. It was a chilly morning – we are currently receiving an Arctic blast following the ridiculously warm weather of the previous two weeks. Sleet/snow is forecast for tomorrow.

The last time I had visited the Centre was during the summer and there had been a Regatta in progress – it was very busy on that day. Today was entirely different -it was very quiet. There were a few people practicing on the water but generally the ducks, swans and herons had the water to themselves. The clouds overhead looked intriguing.

Heron just taking off

We made our way to the slalom course and could see immediately that there had been flooding from Storm Claudia and the path was inaccessible.

We took a walk to Holme Lock and went around the flooding. The Colwick Sluice gates were scaffolded out. Following extensive flooding in Nottingham in 1946 and 1947 these gates were constructed in 1955 to reduce water levels in flood conditions and to maintain water levels through Nottingham. There are five sluice gates which are triggered by ultrasonic detectors which monitor the water level.

Colwick Sluices

Continuing on we crossed over a wooden bridge above the Slalom course – the water was rushing fiercely past.

The Slalom course

We stopped for a drink and a breather- we both had hot Bovril in our flasks – ideal for a chilly day.

Warmed from our hot drinks we passed the empty car parks for the Water Centre and joined the bank of the River Trent heading towards Nottingham.

River Trent

The new pedestrian bridge is the first bridge to be built across the River Trent in 60 years. The bridge was assembled on the bank and lifted into place by a very large crane on the 10th November. The bridge is not due to open until spring next year – we will be back to walk across it!

As we continued along the river bank we got tantalising glimpse’s of the bridge – however we could not get closer because the riverbank path is closed for the construction works. I wonder what name will be given to the bridge?

The new bridge

Assembling the bridge

The bridge being lifted into position

Artists impression of the finished bridge

Nottingham’s new Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge – Transport Nottingham

Having achieved this objective we set off for the Grantham Canal and a towpath walk out of Nottingham. I was pleased to see that there was water in the canal. When I walked this stretch in the summer it was dry.

Mick walking along the Grantham Canal

There were plenty of Ducks enjoying the water- they are so cute.

Before too long we were away from the canal and heading across fields towards Radcliffe – our destination. Thankfully, the fields were not too muddy.

Our clear route across the fields

So, we arrived at the bus stop to catch the bus back – the bus was almost empty, a complete contrast to our earlier trip!

We had enjoyed a good walk and achieved both of our objectives..

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Three Amigos’ Walking Adventure in Nottingham

Mar 26th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning the Three Amigos took a bus into Nottingham to enjoy a 10.7-mile circular walk from Trent Bridge, along the Nottingham and Beeston canal to reach the river Trent, then back along the river to Trent Bridge. It is fair to say that we all thoroughly enjoyed this walk by water.

Nottingham Forest Football club stadium by the river

Our route

As we arrived in Nottingham, at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, we found that mist was developing -this was disappointing because we had been expecting sunshine! It was the first Three Amigo walk for quite a few weeks. Chris had donned his shorts – myself and Mick wondered whether this was a little rash given the morning chill in the air? Chris assured us that he was a tough cookie and not a wimp like us! Well, what can I say.😊

Trent Bridge Cricket ground

Chris and Mick crossing Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge

We crossed Trent Bridge then headed down the embankment to join the start of the Nottingham and Beeston canal. We wondered when/if the mist would lift? The Forest ground was still shrouded in the mist. Opposite the Stadium was the entrance to the canal.

Joining the Nottingham and Beeston Canal

The canal was built to bring coal into the city from the mines scattered around the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. We took the wide towpath, noting that there were plenty of Canadian geese enjoying the canal. The mist was starting to clear 😊.

I particularly liked the amusing artwork on a wall by the canal.

We were heading past beautiful old warehouse buildings side by side with modern new developments. I know which ones I prefer! (The old, since you asked)

Old Fellowes Morton & Clayton depot

The impressive Fellows, Morton and Clayton depot was property of that Company – it operated the largest fleet of barges and narrowboats in the country. This building had its own built-in dock on the ground floor – it’s now a popular nightspot.

Castle Wharf

Castle wharf has a view of Nottingham Castle on the hill- hence the name.

Nottingham Castle

Some of our views looked distinctly Victorian.

Soon we passed a Marina and spotted a Swan sat on it’s nest. Can you see it?

We were heading out of the city now and into the suburbs. There were quite a few cyclists and runners along the towpath – probably because it is close to the University. We even saw a number of individuals paddle boarding – I wouldn’t like to fall in the canal!

Mick and Chris putting the world to rights.

It was amazing how quickly our vista changed from urban to rural.

To our right was the large Boots factory and we soon arrived at the river Trent where stopped to look at the weir. Chris related the tragic tale of a young man who had died whilst trying to rescue someone who had fallen in. There was a memorial to the incident at the Weir.

Weir on the river Trent

Following a path by the river we passed the Sports grounds of Nottingham University – very impressive.

The river Trent

The rural embankment changed to concrete after a while -we were approaching the city.

A trip boat passed us by and it was full of passengers.

We reached Victoria Embankment and crossed the river via the lovely pedestrian bridge – Wilford Suspension bridge. There was a slight bounce as we walked across.

View from Wilford suspension bridge towards Trent bridge

The trip boat passed us by on it’s return leg.

Shortly we arrived back at Trent Bridge and made our way to the bus stop.

It had been a great walk, if a tad chilly at times. I had particularly enjoyed seeing the old warehouses along the canal you can’t beat a bit of heritage!

Happy Walking! 😊🚶