Shardlow, Sawley, and Castle Donington
12 people attending
8 places left
The walk starts alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal to Sawley Marina, then roads to Lockington and paths and fields to East Midlands Airport perimeter. From there we visit Castle Donington then head back to Shardlow via Cavendish Bridge.
There will be an optional pub stop for a drink at the end of the walk.
Shardlow was an important 18th-century river port on the Trent and Mersey Canal, The River Trent and River Soar are navigable to the Humber Esturary. During Shardlow's heyday from the 1770s to the 1840s it became known as 'Rural Rotterdam' and 'Little Liverpool'. Today, it still has many Grade II listed buildings and public houses, the oldest of which is the 'Dog and Duck'.
During the 1970s, the men-only 'Pavilion Club' at Shardlow flourished in the old cricket club. It was uniquely owned and operated by its gay members, but it burnt down in the late 1980s. The subsequent insurance payout went into a local trust, which supported LGBT+ causes in the area for many years.
Sawley was an important crossing place for travellers to and from Birmingham and Nottingham via ferry or ford across the river until the Harrington (toll) Bridge was built in 1790. Sawley marina was developed in the 1960s to become one of the finest with the capacity for up to 400 boats.
In 1278, King Edward I granted a charter for a weekly market and an annual Wakes Fair at Castle Donington. The name 'Donington' means 'farm/settlement connected with Dunna'. East Midlands Airport opened in 1965. Donington Park motor racing circuit, originally part of the Donington Hall estate, was developed between the First and Second World Wars, and it is host to the Motorcycle Grand Prix the annual Download Festival.
Dogs are welcome but owners must ensure they are kept under control at all times.
Waitlist: If this event is fully booked and you really want to attend, add yourself to the waitlist because places often become available. If you are on the list but can no longer come, please cancel your attendance as soon as possible to allow waitlisted people to attend in your place.
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Image Credits: All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
What to bring
Anyone new to walking may wish to draw from the following as required:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful.
Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs.
A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack of 20 to 30-litre capacity, allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for any on-going ailments or conditions, such as hay-fever or diabetes.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch as required to eat during the walk. We will break for lunch in the early afternoon. Ensure you have plenty of water, especially if the weather forecast for the day is hot.