Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Here is a 20 minute drive through villages in the Trent Vale. The River Trent is England's third longest river and the villages are protected from flooding by a substantial barrier, known locally as the Bund.
Before we reach the first village the ground rises so that we can cross the railway, built up above the flood level of the surrounding land. The line is known as the GN/GE Joint Line and is used by many freight trains and a few passenger trains.
The first village, is the riverside village of West Stockwith. St Mary the Virgin's Church, dating from1722 is a Grade II* listed church open every day from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Further along is a hump bridge that crosses the Chesterfield Canal, with the Basin on your left and a lock out onto the River Trent.
Next is Misterton, well just a corner of this village as we turn onto the A161. Crossing over the railway there is an oil storage depot for the Gainsborough-Beckingham Oil Field. Electric pumps (nodding donkeys) are to be found in fields and in Gainsborough town. The oil field has been operational since 1960.
We the pass though Walkeringham and turn left off the A161 to pass through Beckingham where school children in, high vis tabard, are being taught cycling proficiency.
Leaving Beckingham we turn left on to the A631, at this point a dual carriageway road. By the time we reach the Trent Port pub on our left the road has diminish to single lane in preparation to cross the River Trent on a 1791 vintage road bridge.
Now we turn left to pass into Gainsborough, one time capital of England (1013-14) and end up at the 15th century Old Hall.
I hope this gives some idea of rural England, especially if you are in America, this is a different world.
Here is a 20 minute drive through villages in the Trent Vale. The River Trent is England's third longest river and the villages are protected from flooding by a substantial barrier, known locally as the Bund.
Before we reach the first village the ground rises so that we can cross the railway, built up above the flood level of the surrounding land. The line is known as the GN/GE Joint Line and is used by many freight trains and a few passenger trains.
The first village, is the riverside village of West Stockwith. St Mary the Virgin's Church, dating from1722 is a Grade II* listed church open every day from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Further along is a hump bridge that crosses the Chesterfield Canal, with the Basin on your left and a lock out onto the River Trent.
Next is Misterton, well just a corner of this village as we turn onto the A161. Crossing over the railway there is an oil storage depot for the Gainsborough-Beckingham Oil Field. Electric pumps (nodding donkeys) are to be found in fields and in Gainsborough town. The oil field has been operational since 1960.
We the pass though Walkeringham and turn left off the A161 to pass through Beckingham where school children in, high vis tabard, are being taught cycling proficiency.
Leaving Beckingham we turn left on to the A631, at this point a dual carriageway road. By the time we reach the Trent Port pub on our left the road has diminish to single lane in preparation to cross the River Trent on a 1791 vintage road bridge.
Now we turn left to pass into Gainsborough, one time capital of England (1013-14) and end up at the 15th century Old Hall.
I hope this gives some idea of rural England, especially if you are in America, this is a different world.
