Chesta two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I followed this route from Staveley, the last leg of a Chesterfield - Bolsover- Staveley - Chesterfield circular walk. I enjoyed the route throughout, despite the unattractive entry to Chesterfield itself. There were refreshments and canal-related information available at Hollingwood Lock. The tow-path walk is a pleasant route in itself.

Reviewed on 17th Feb 2023. A pleasant, straightforward walk along canal towpaths between Chesterfield and Staveley, largely following the route of the the Cuckoo Way once the canal path is joined having descended down from Chesterfield town centre.

There are a couple of awkward navigation moments as you follow the back streets through Chesterfield, crossing above the busy A61 and then crossing a number of smaller, but busy roads near Chesterfield train station but after that the navigation is easy.

The only negative is the first, short stretch along the canal until you reach Tapton Lock is blighted by rubbish and hemmed in between housing developments - but it improves substantially after Tapton Lock.

A near-perfect Slow Way joining Chesterfield and Staveley, almost entirely along the Chesterfield Canal.

I walked this route on a Sunday morning and, as a result, found it reasonably busy with large numbers of walkers, cyclists and dogs out in surprisingly balmy February weather. Apart from the two ends of the route - getting on to and off the the canal - navigation is a non-issue as the track follows the canal. You might make a case for the Slow Way starting/ending at Chesterfield Railway Station rather than outside the Crooked Spire but there's very little in it.

Overall, it's a route I've walked before and would walk again and would thoroughly recommend to others.

Unequivocally a 5-star route.

I walked this easy and safe route midweek, shared with cycles and waterside. Highly recommended well plotted easy to follow.

From Staveley Market Place with it's statue / sculpture marking the history of the town it's a short walk to join the Chesterfield canal which is followed all the way.

Hollingwood Hub is a great spot for a break bring your own and sit outside or buy a drink. Also an information centre for the Chesterfield Canal Trust. The Mill Inn at Brimington and Tapton Visitor Centre could also offer refreshment. Tapton House was the home of railway engineer and industrialist George Stephenson who is buried in Chesterfield.

South of Tapton the cycle route leaves the canal so from here the path is not so well maintained but still well used by walkers. Entering Chesterfield the route passes close to the railway station before making a safe footbridge crossing of the busy bypass to arrive at the Crooked Spire and the meeting place.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.