How to get there - Drakeholes is on the A631 about 6 miles west of Gainsborough. Park in the lane opposite the White Swan (now sadly closed). For those with satnav the postcode is DN10 5DF
Get a map with driving directions to start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - It's a short portage to the basin south of Drakeholes Tunnel where you can launch.
General
Description - This trip is 10 lock-free miles on the Chesterfield canal but as it's a return trip you can lengthen or shorten it to suit yourself. Its a lovely rural paddle through north Nottinghamshire, passing through the villages of Wiseton and Clayworth before turning round at Hayton. We took a break at the Retford and Worksop Boating Club at Clayworth where they were happy for us to use their toilets etc. It is of course polite to ask the committee member or caretaker on duty. There is a waterpoint here for use by narrowboats so make sure that you moor in such a way as to leave this unobstructed. For those who like to find a pub at lunchtime there is the Boat Inn canalside at Hayton with a good selection of food but if you are happy to just picnic then moor this side of the bridge where there is a lovely grassed area with a bench.
Comments on this trip
Keith Day 24 Mar 2010
If you are able to shuttle a car to the end for a one way trip you could extend the trip by two miles to WhitSunday Pie Lock. Dirctions on how to get there are here.(Just enter your startpoint at "A")
Alan 25 Aug 2009
Thanks! We did Hayton to Drakeholes, through the tunnel up to the lock at Gringley. A lovely paddle. We stayed at David Otter's Camping and caravan Club site at Hayton, only 50 yds from the cut. Pub in Hayton does acceptable food. A lovely area and your day out certainly made it even better.
