The Chesterfield Canal
The Chesterfield Canal
The Chesterfield Canal extends 46 miles from Chesterfield to the River Trent at West Stockwith and is one of the country’s earliest and most fascinating navigations.
It passes through Derbyshire, South Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire and links the regions of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Its bold course includes a range of both natural and built heritage attractions arguably equal to any other part of the UK waterways network.
The story of the origins, rise and eventual decline of the Chesterfield Canal is unique. Many of its features are distinctive and have given rise to unique attributes – even the boats used on the Canal were strikingly different from those used in other regions.
The landscape around the canal is hugely varied – from the dark coal measures sandstones to the white Magnesian Limestone and on to the bright oranges and reds of the Bunter Sandstone – the varied geology which the canal traverses has given raise to a rich and varied landscape. This is also reflected in the plants and animals along the canal – in consequence the canal is now an important nature reserve.
We hope that your will be able to explore this rich legacy with us and learn how the canal is being restored to life as a waterway for all.
Visiting and Enjoying the Chesterfield Canal
The Chesterfield Canal is currently navigable from West Stockwith on the River Trent (our connection with the national network) to the eastern portal of the Norwood Tunnel at Kiveton Park. This 33 mile section is owned and managed by the Canal & River Trust.
There is a basin at West Stockwith, a marina at Shireoaks and slipways at West Stockwith and Shireoaks.
There are two hire boats based at West Stockwith and one at Walkeringham.
There are tripboats based at Ranby and Shireoaks.
The Canal is also navigable from Staveley to Chesterfield. This currently isolated 5 mile section is owned by Derbyshire County Council and managed by its Countryside Service. There are slipways at Staveley Town Basin and at Tapton Lock.
Hollingwood Hub features an Information Centre & Shop, a Coffee Shop, a garden and a large car park.
Tapton Lock Visitor Centre has an Information Centre and café.
There are tripboats based at Hollingwood Hub and Tapton Lock and paddlesports hire is available at Hollingwood Hub.
