The Chesterfield Canal is ideal for walking along its entire length. The towpath is called The Cuckoo Way and is clearly signposted for all 46 miles from Chesterfield to West Stockwith. For general information and a guide to the whole length, click here.

However most people prefer shorter, circular walks. There are dozens of these available, but the Trust has teamed up with various local authorities to produce seven (see below). All are free and should be available in local Tourist Offices. If you can't get hold of them, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre has them in stock (01246 551035) as does our own Hollingwood Hub (01246 477569) where they are always on display in Nona's Coffee Shop.

Around the Bluebank Loop
Starts and finishes at the Station Road car park in Brimington. A short walk with lots of shotcuts, where Kingfishers and Water Voles can be see very near to Chesterfield Town Centre.

Roundhouse Ramble
Starts and finishes at Mill Green, below Morrisons at Staveley, or at Nona's at Hollingwood Hub. Lots of industrial history on this walk that includes Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Eckington & the Chesterfield Canal
This starts and finishes at Renishaw or Eckington. It includes part of the Brindley Loops that were abandoned when the canal was straightened in the 1890s when the ralway was built. It also has fascinating information about old horse drawn railways.

Thorpe Salvin, Turnerwood and the Chesterfield Canal
Starts and finishes in Thorpe Salvin. This delightful walk includes the fabulous hamlet of Turnerwood and the magnificent Thorpe Flight of double and treble staircase locks.

The Lady Lee Circular Walk
Starts and finishes in Netherholme car park in Worksop, or The Lock Keeper pub just off the A57. This includes a disused arm of the canal, Manor Lodge and Sandhill Lake. You also pass Morse Lock an iconic structure in the restoration of the canal whose reopening in 1996 was welcomed by vast crowds and 1000 boats.

Pilgrim Fathers and Sober Men Walk
Starts and finishes in Retford or Babworth. On your walk you will see the incomparable Trinity Hospital almshouses, All Saints' Church Babworth (famous for Richard Clifton and the Pilgrim Fathers), Charlie's Lock and the wonderful canalside townscape at Retford Town Lock.

Around the Junction
Starts and finishes at West Stockwith Basin. A really simple walk along three waterways. Up the canal to Misterton, across country to Misterton Soss on the River Idle, down to West Stockwith village and back along the River Trent.

Finally, one of our Vice Presidents, John Merrill, has a book in his Canal Walk series entitled Short Circular Walks on the Chesterfield Canal.