Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival

TAKING in three counties the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival is billed as the biggest canal walking event in the country.

It takes in  46 miles of towpaths over nine days and is organised by the Chesterfield Canal Trust, the festival running from Saturday 14th to  Sunday 22nd September with a total of 53 guided walks—the majority of which are free—ranging from a childrens' walk of just two miles to the full 46 miles length of the canal in three days.

Walks for all ages

The Trust’s Walks Officer, David Blackburn, who has been researching and leading walks for over 20 years, tells:

“The canal is an absolute delight at any time of year, but early Autumn possibly sees it at its best. There are walks for all ages and abilities, including specialist interest walks and combined walks and boat trips for
people who would like a more relaxing day out.

“We are very grateful to everyone who has helped us to put this festival together and to our sponsors Bassetlaw District Council and the Canal & River Trust.”

Special walks

There are special interest walks, e.g. Nature, History, Architecture, Restoration, Bird spotting, Bat spotting and Geocaching.

Some walks will explore the attractive towns and villages in North Nottinghamshire. Dr Patrick Harding, one of the country’s leading experts in fungi, will be leading a Tree, Mushroom and Toadstool walk.

National Trust staff from Mr Straw’s House in Worksop will be leading a Towpath Trek. The full-length on the canal (46 miles) will be covered in three days, starting at West Stockwith on the Trent and finishing in the centre of Chesterfield.

Combine a walk with a cruise

There are opportunities to combine a walk from two miles up to seven miles, with a cruise on one of the Trust’s trip boats.

One walk gives the opportunity of a guided tour of Britain's last surviving working Railway Roundhouse at Barrow Hill, whilst another includes a Posh Picnic.

Several walks will investigate the section of the Chesterfield Canal that has not yet been restored and will reveal plans on how this will take place.

Full details

Full details for all the walks, including booking information can be found at:

www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk. Bookings can also be made by calling 01246 345777.