Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring a stretch of the historic Chesterfield Canal. Ongoing works will see the canal extended from the existing limit at Eckington Road.

Works include the reconstruction of 850m of canal channel. In addition, two new bridges, a new lock and over 3 kilometres of footpath improvements will be made.

The project will enhance the connection of routes to existing networks, including the Trans Pennine Trail. It also complements other work which the Trust is carrying out in other areas along the canal.

The funding provides an extension totalling half a mile from Hartington Harbour onto the Staveley Puddlebank. This will also see the canal running across the Doe Lea valley. There will also be two miles of multi-use towpath all the way to Renishaw.

As well as improving outdoor space and creating new leisure infrastructure, it’s expected the restoration project will lead to a 20% increase in visitors to the Staveley area. This will boost the amount of money spent in the local economy.

The Trust’s volunteer Work Party has already started its Rewatering Renishaw project which will bring another half-mile of canal back to life. The aim is to join the two projects together finishing up with an extra 2½ miles of canal in the next few years.

You can find out more about the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal on the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.