The
Chesterfield Round Walk explores the varied countryside just beyond
the suburban fringes of Chesterfield. From Barlow it traverses Monk
Wood to Unstone, passing north of town through mainly arable farmland
before turning south, crossing the Chesterfield canal towards Brimington.
Beyond the ancient West Wood it bypasses Calow and loops out to the
east to visit Sutton Scarsdale Hall and Heath, then heads southwest
through Williamthorpe Ponds Nature Reserve and along the Five Pits
Trail to North Wingfield. Skirting Old Tupton, the way passes south
of town alongside Hardwick Wood to its highest point at Stone Edge,
before descending to cross the beautiful Hipper Valley close to Holymoorside.
Finally, it wanders north across verdant rolling hills and deeply
incised valleys along the western fringes, crossing Linacre Reservoirs
on its way back to Barlow.
The Chesterfield Round Walk is extremely flexible. The leaflet describes
the route in a clockwise direction, though it is comprehensively waymarked
in both. It passes through or close to the villages of Barlow Common
Side, Unstone, New Whittington, Brimington, Calow, Heath, North Wingfield,
Old Tupton and Holymoorside, which all have regular bus services and
ample parking. It is therefore possible to explore the Chesterfield
Round Walk in a series of out-and-back walks from your car, as part
of circular walks of your own devising, using OS Explorer Map, 269,
Chesterfield & Alfreton, which covers the whole route, or using
public transport to and from the town centre.
The leaflet contains public transport information, but for specific
bus times, ring the traveline on 0870 608 2 608. It could even be
walked in a day or over a weekend, and is ideal for sponsored charity
and challenge walks. A party of 4 hardy souls did indeed walk the
whole 34-miles on the launch day, starting from Unstone at 07.00 and
finishing 14 hours 15 minutes later.
It is a walk for all seasons, but you should be aware that many of
the more popular footpaths and bridleways remain muddy throughout
much of the year. It is therefore recommended that you wear appropriate
footwear.
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