Daunting tidal Trent

THE other correspondents on this topic [tidal Trent] articulate their experiences well. I have cruised the tidal Trent for the entire distance to Trent Falls on a friend's Broads cruiser, writes Lynda' O'Hare.

Although I have many years of narrowboating experience, including on the tidal Thames, it did not prepare me for this.

An adventure

A travelling companion who knows the Trent is reassuring and makes the journey an adventure rather than a dangerous mission; someone who understands the tides and their implication on travel and can judge whether one should moor up or proceed.

Charts are essential as is a depth monitor as the large vessels using this river cause the bed to shift and the depth fluctuates a lot.

Very frightening

For me the thing I found most daunting was the solitude. Normally I love a bit of peace and quiet but the thought of getting into difficulties and not seeing another boat for a day or more was frankly very frightening.

I think Canal & River Trust have a huge responsibility here. This is not a river for casual cruisers. It is a very serious mission that requires a lot of planning, preparation, courage and confidence.

All that said, I am very proud to say I did it.