Nottingham - The Big Track

This 10 mile scenic route connects off road paths alongside the River Trent and the Beeston Canal, giving traffic free access to many parts of the City of Nottingham.

                                    Click on map to enlarge.

Since it is a circular route, it is possible to join it at any point, but if coming from Derby the best way is to take the train to Beeston and from the station make your way to Beeston Lock, where the canal and river meet. You then have the option of riding clockwise or anti-clockwise around the route.
So.......... all aboard ............

    And here we are!                      




Follow Meadow Road and Longlands Road to Beeston Lock.

Beeston Lock abounds in facilities for food and drink.

One of which, only recently opened, is here.  Good bike parking in the garden, accessed through archway on the left.

Behind the cottage is the weir, downstream of which the river is not navigable, hence the canal which takes boats through to Trent Bridge in Nottingham where they rejoin the River Trent.

Beeston Lock.

Go straight ahead after Beeston Lock to get onto the riverside path.
The short path on the right leads to the weir.

 Just follow the path, keeping as close to the river as possible.

         

 This signpost marks the most Southerly point of the circle. The West Bridgeford route follows the river, and the City Centre route follows the canal.

 We are taking the riverside route.

 A well surfaced path all the way .............................

 .......... with glimpses of the river alongside.

 Excellent signing throughout as well.

 After a short stretch of road, keep right here on the path.

 Pass beneath the road bridge at Clifton.

 Here we emerge onto the road, but no problem as the pavement is a shared path so keep right.

 Follow signs to West Bridgeford.

 Cross the main road here.

 Watch out for trams.

Ding! Ding! Here's one now.

Back to the riverside ........................

.................... all the way to Trent Bridge.

Through this archway.

 Turning left away from the river to join the canal towpath. Keep on right side of canal.

Look back to see Notts Forest football ground across the river.

The canal now runs through Nottingham, turning left at the Premier Inn. We cross from right bank to left bank on a bridge here.

Both ancient and modern buildings front the canal here.

The route from here to Beeston Lock is on video,. Click HERE