Ilkeston circular via Cossall and the Bennerley viaduct. (04/04/22)

Attendees; A. Sear, P. Cotterill, M. Simmonds, D. Chambers, J. Hickling, D. Martin, P Grater, N Grater, D. McDonnell, K. Maguire, R. Steel. M. Farkas, and new member Rob Keats.

A comfortably late start meant arrival at our starting point Ilkeston station at 12.30. The skies were grey, but it stayed dry.

A short road walk led us to the Erewash canal. Derby Dave provided information regarding the canal and it’s surrounds. We left the canal at Gallows lock, and a short while later had a pit stop at some public toilets. Crossing the busy road and a footbridge over the Erewash valley railway line a short walk brought us to our second canal. This is the Nottingham canal which was out of use by 1936. Parts of it remain, and are a haven for wildlife. We were now heading north, and parallel to the railway and Erewash canal.

Leaving the canal and a short road walk brought us into the village of Cossall where we Stopped for our lunch break. This is D H Lawrence country, and a plaque on the side of a house provided information regarding one of his lovers having lived there.

More road walking followed as far as Cossall Marsh, then through paths and fields, and then rejoining the Nottingham canal. The highlight of the walk was almost in sight. Veering off the canal we arrived at the recently renovated Bennerley viaduct closed in 1968 this was originally part of the Great Northern Railway. Views were afforded over the Erewash valley towards Ilkeston, Cotmanhay and Langley Mill. The final part of the walk then meant rejoining the Erewash canal and heading south back towards Ilkeston. The objective was to reach the Dewdrop Inn by 15.30. It usually opens at 16.00, but I had made arrangements for it to open earlier at 15.30 as that was my estimated time for our arrival.

Perfect timing, as that was when we arrived.