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Swarkstone Lows - Ancient Burial Mounds

Swarkestone Lows are 4 'barrows'
or ancient burial mounds, at OS Grid SK367294,
about 2 miles south of Derby, Nottinghamshire

The Swarkestone Barrows are still just visible north west of Swarkestone Lock on the Trent and Mersey Canal, between bridges 14 and 15, on the road opposite Lowes Farm, Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre DE73 7GQ, not far from that other local landmark The Crewe and Harpur pub in Swarkestone village (a favourite watering hole for the Swarkestone Sailing Club) normally resident at the causeway. According to records there were 6 barrows visible in the 1940s but both weather and time have eroded them away or I'm not looking in the right places!

I won't say you have to know what you're looking for but if I hadn't got my OS Maps on the boat I don't think I would have noticed them as anything more than a couple of humps in a field! We have mentioned them on CanalCuttings to bring this ancient site to fellow boaters and interested parties.

You can also get to the Swarkestone Lows by car: Come off the A50 at Chellaston Junction with the A5132 and head southwards in towards Swarkestone village;
Either take the first right, under the railway to the canal bridge 14. The Lows are the other side of the bridge to the left. Or: Pass the Crewe and Harpur Pub, Swarkestone and take the next right over the railway and canal bridge 15 the Lows are on your right.

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