Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival back for second year

Published: Thursday, 01 August 2019

AFTER it success last year attracting hundreds of walkers the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival is back for a second year.

This will follow the inaugural series of routes that attracted hundreds of walkers and canal enthusiasts to the towpaths of the Chesterfield Canal, and takes place as part of the Retford Heritage Day on Saturday 14th September, with the walks from the 14th to the 22nd with 53 walks over nine days.

WalkingFestivalCovers full length of canal

The 53 guided walks will cover the full 46 miles length of the canal that stretches over three counties. including events incorporated as part of the Heritage Open Day, with Rod Auton, Publicity Officer at the Chesterfield Canal Trust, telling:

“This year’s festival offers a wide range of walks from just two miles to the full 46 miles of the Chesterfield Canal. There is also plenty of variety and walkers will get to experience the local wildlife, history, geocaching and engineering walks, plus the opportunity to combine a walk with a boat trip.”

Part of Retford's Heritage Day

Retford is set to host one of its biggest weekends yet with thousands of people expected to visit the town and be part of three very special events over on Saturday 14th September.

The town’s traditional Heritage Day will take place alongside the very first North Notts Literary Festival, that runs from Friday  13th to Sunday 15th.  Retford has been celebrating its rich history as part of Heritage Day for the last 12 years and traditionally incorporates a central theme, with 2019 focussing on the ‘Chesterfield Canal and Retford’s Working Heritage’.

Seth EllisHeritage venues

On Saturday 14th September, 12 heritage venues including Bassetlaw Museum, the Majestic Theatre, Harrison’s Brewery and Retford Library will host guided tours and dedicated talks. There will also be narrowboat trips along the Chesterfield Canal on the Seth Ellis and many other events taking place throughout the town, culminating with an evening performance by Harworth Brass at Retford Town Hall.

As part of Heritage Day, there will be several historic boats near the Town Lock, the chance to try paddle boarding and interactive family performances.

To take part on the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk