LOCKS & PORTAGES
Along the route of Race To The Castle, you will need to prepare for the “Great Portages”
We have 5 locks you will need to navigate across, all with their own unique characteristics. We have prepared the following guide for you.
Our crew will be manning the locks, to show you where you need to exit and re-enter, to cheer you in, give you words of wisdom, encouragement, welfare check ins, first aid points and they are also a great place for your support crew to meet you, feed you and help with your portage strategy.
The section of the River Trent that our event takes place, is fully navigable. These locks are for boaters to go up and down river. This, along with Mother Nature, means water heights at the lock points can vary. At some locations, you need plan to exit the River using a lock ladder.
You will then “portage” and walk, no running with your board to the downriver side and re - enter the water. If you would like your own support crew to help you at the portages/locks that is fine by us. All paddlers must portage all locks. Going through the locks is not permitted.
Please familiarise yourself with all safety and rules regarding portages.
All paddlers must have familiarised themself with the published route, points and hazards ahead of event day.
Lock 1 Holme Lock
“The one near the whitewater course”
Cumulative distance 4.5km
Exit: You will exit on the right of the river at the dock and steps and then walk down the bank to the steps.
Entry: You will re - enter the River down the steps.
Lock 2 Stoke Lock
“The one with the jungle walk”
Cumulative distance 9.2km
Exit: You will exit the River on the Left Bank at either the floating dock or this is your first ladder climb exit. Grab a snack and make the walk.
Entry: You will re - enter the water via ladder and concrete platform.
Lock 3 Gunthorpe lock
“The party one. You have made it to check point”
Cumulative distance 16.7km
Exit: This will be your first view of the “ladders”. You will exit on the Left of the river and walk to the beach and your cutoff checkpoint.
Entry: After your mandatory 10min break. You will launch off the beach and paddle off.
Lock 4 hazleford lock
“Stairway to heaven”
Cumulative distance 24.3km
Exit: You will leave the river on the Right side. Depending on river heights this will be your epic ladder climb.
Entry: You will re enter down the steps.
Lock 5 newark town lock
“The final one, you’ll be able to see the castle from here”
Cumulative distance 37.5km
Exit: You will exit the River on the Left side on the steps and make your walk across the metal foot bridge.
Entry: You will re - enter the river down the steps, follow our crew for directions.
