The biggest walking festival based on a single canal in the UK returns to Chesterfield this month, with visitors encouraged to get their boots on and enjoy some of our area’s breathtaking scenery.
The fourth Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival will start on Saturday 10th September. There will be 36 walks in all, running every day to Sunday 18th September.
There are special interest walks, such as History, Architecture, Wildlife and Restoration. There are opportunities to explore some of the attractive towns and villages in North Nottinghamshire or you can combine a walk with a cruise on one of the Trust’s trip boats.
One walk includes a visit to a football stadium, another offers the chance to see beavers. There is a cycle ride with a difference and a ramble through ancient woodlands. Waterway and railway enthusiasts will relish the opportunity of a canal and river walk finishing up at Britain’s last surviving working Railway Roundhouse at Barrow Hill. Serious walkers will jump at the chance of walking the full length of the canal in the course of three days.
The festival is organised by the Chesterfield Canal Trust, whose Walks Officer, David Blackburn, said: “We look forward to seeing old friends again and hope to welcome many newcomers too. We believe that our 46 mile long canal has parts that are as attractive as any in the country. Do take the opportunity to join a walk in an area with which you are not familiar, and you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised.”
All the walks are free except for those combined with a boat. They must be booked in advance, either online via the Trust’s website – search for Chesterfield Canal Trust – or by ringing 01246 477569. A brochure with full details is available at various places along the canal, including Hollingwood Hub and local Tourist Information Centres. It is also available online. Some walks are already full, so it is advisable to book now to avoid disappointment.
The Chesterfield Canal Trust wishes to thank all the walk leaders, the many organisations which have helped and the festival’s sponsors: Harworth Group, Canal & River Trust, Derbyshire Grants Programme, Eckington Parish Council and West Stockwith Parish Council.
Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
