The Chesterfield Canal is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful and varied waterways in England.

It runs for 46 miles from the River Trent to the middle of Chesterfield, linking Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Every yard of the canal can be walked on the towpath known as The Cuckoo Way.

It goes through tranquil countryside where scarcely a house can be seen; has some of the earliest staircase locks ever built (240 years ago); is hugely popular with walkers; has some of the best canal fishing in the country and ends up at what will be the £310 million Waterside development in Chesterfield.

Quote from a recent visiting boater "Crew who had not seen the Turnerwood and Thorpe flights before were absolutely delighted with their location, beauty, tradition and interest. This is one of the best stretches of canal anywhere in the UK."

Since 1989 over 11 miles of the canal have been restored along with 36 locks and 11 bridges. A further 700 metres opened early in 2012 with the flooding of the new Staveley Town Basin.

We only have nine miles left to restore. Detailed plans already exist for every bridge, lock and aqueduct on this stretch. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is currently running a campaign called Closing the Gap in order to achieve this aim.

If you shop on-line regularly, you may be able to help the Trust earn money from your shopping activities. All you need to do is sign up for EasyFundraising by clicking on the banner below and make sure the Chesterfield Canal Trust is your chosen cause.