Kilwor two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Kilwor here.

I walked this route from Killamarsh in March. The route begins from the new precinct, uphill to reach the older settlement of stone-built houses around St Giles church. It then climbs through a green field to reach the main road and follows it to the canal crossing (fp sign). The section up the site of the flight of Norwood locks has plenty of visual interest. Eventually we reach the motorway and pass under. The next section begins through pasture and then follows a route across the landscaped site of the former colliery now known as Kiveton Community Woodland. The new building alongside the path will gradually change this section of the walk I think. [If time allows a short detour to the summit is rewarded by good views and interesting installations.] The section through the community woodland was fairly muddy, despite the recent drought. After crossing the quiet road the path approaches the end of the canal (where it once emerged from a tunnel) the tow path starts along the south bank of the canal, the Cuckoo Way right of way follows the north side (this section is a thin path through vegetation that will be muddy after wet weather). The two paths meet up by Kiveton Park station and a surfaced path follows the canal all the way to Worksop. This route (especially from Kiveton Park station) is one of my favourite walks in the area. There are always good views, changing with the seasons. Highly recommended.

This Slow Way offers easy walking along the towpath of the Chesterfield canal which is a promoted walking route, the Cuckoo Way. A section over the former Norwood tunnel is well signed. Towards Norwood the route uses traditional field paths. There are no stiles, some minor steps and potential livestock. There are refreshment opportunities along the way and rail stations to bail out if required. Sections are used by off road cyclists.

I walked Worksop to Killamarsh on a dull autumn day after a very wet November. The station is not the best location for the meeting point but works well on this walk served by other stations if you need to bail out. The link to the canal could be improved but once on the towpath it's simple navigation along a bonded surface path.

The Chesterfield canal had long been navigable to Worksop and the wide hole we walk around was the head of navigation until the section of today's walk was restored 20 plus years ago. Rhodesia marks the start of real countryside although the canal had offered a pleasant green blue corridor so far. Work on the lock here and elsewhere confirms that new needs attention after twenty years.

I passed a few moored boats, no movement today because of the lock closure. Approaching Shireoaks a marina offers secure and some residential berths. At the road crossing here there's a shop and access to the station useful on days other than today, another rail strike. From here the towpath remains good but is now a simple stone surface.

The canal through Turnerwood is a delight but a few steps spoils the otherwise easy wheeled way so far. This section of the canal is a Conservation Area but wood in water doesn't last for ever so more repairs are in hand using modern methods.

Thorpe are the last locks climbing to the summit pound through Kiveton Park and another station and inn. Cross the canal to stay on the towpath this offers the best view approaching the vegetation covered entrance to Norwood tunnel.

There was never a towing path through the tunnel so we must go over the top and the path now enters a field so real county walking although a stone surface has been laid. A continuous raised hump alongside the path suggests spoil from the tunnel confirming we are on route.

Kiveton Water, used for fishing is the proposed site of a marina when the canal climbs higher to avoid restoration of the tunnel. At the site barrier take the signed Cuckoo Way left which is initially fenced so no navigation concerns then a little more open and a footbridge over a stream before the country park (Kiveton Community Woodland) opens up. Stay on the low ground which can be a bit wet after heavy rain.

Exit the 'Woodland' and turn left along a well defined path where care is needed not to follow the footpath as it continues alongside the stream, our route bears right passing a steel barrier into an open field to follow the hedge on the right.

The cutting on the right suggests the canal but this was a railway, the canal was in the tunnel under our feet. The roar of the motorway can't be avoided as we pass underneath before a descent to find the abandoned and overgrown tunnel mouth and canal. Executive development has blended the remains of the canal and structures into garden features making it an interesting location to speculate on the restoration plans.

A brick bridge over the water invites but having explored that I recommend the plotted tarmac drive which offers an easy walk to meet the road at Norwood for a pavement and a direct walk via a green space to Killamarsh church. From there it's quiet roads to the meeting place by shops and bus stops.

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