Chesterfield Canal reaches the summit

At last - the waiting is over! The second phase of the Chesterfield Canal restoration is complete, allowing boaters and walkers to enjoy the immensely scenic stretch from Shireoaks to Kiveton.

The canal was officially opened for use by the public on Thursday 26th June. This lovingly restored section of the canal, which stretches 3.5 miles from Ryton Aqeuduct to Kiveton in South Yorkshire, the highest level on the canal. It offers something for everyone, from the keen boater to those than fancy a peaceful walk along the towpath: for example, its James Brindley-designed staircase locks are among the oldest in Britain, giving the restoration great historic significance.

At an open day on 26 June, British Waterways formally thanked those who have supported the project. Terry Hodkinson, the Heritage Lottery Fund’s regional committee member for Yorkshire and the Humber, formally opened the canal by unveiling a commemorative stone representation of a ground paddle. Robin Evans, Chief Executive of British Waterways and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Fred Wright, joined him. The work was partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, local councils, and the Yorkshire Forward development agency.

Stephanie Peacock, BW's local Leisure and Tourism Officer, explained: "This part of the Chesterfield canal has been hidden from public view for so long now. We are delighted that its beauty can now be enjoyed by everyone. This stretch of waterway has some spectacular scenery and offers a great retreat from everyday life."

The canal is now navigable all the way from West Stockwith, on the River Trent, to the western entrance of the collapsed Norwood Tunnel, at Kiveton. With the final few miles of the canal in Chesterfield already navigable, under the care of Derbyshire County Council, the effort is now shifting to joining them up via Norwood Tunnel and the village of Killamarsh.

For more information on discovering this beautiful stretch of the canal, see the Chesterfield Canal pages on Waterscape or contact BW's Newark office on 01636 704481.