Walks from Chesterfield

Canal towpath (the Cuckoo Way) running 46 miles from the Trent to central Chesterfield. Out-and-back along an attractive market-town waterway and with kingfishers and water voles to look out for.

Walk details: East Midlands Railway (tips, photos and local insights).

Long views. Riverside path with fields.

Time: 4h

Warnings: Can be very muddy or boggy.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Some cracking views - especially the Crowchin Edge viewpoint. An enjoyable but demanding hilly route, not to be underestimated, with lots of steep ups and downs, rough ground, awkward pinch stiles and some very steep, loose or slippery slopes through quarries and woods. It crosses farmland, quiet lanes, old quarry workings, woods and a dam and with several places where navigation requires care; the going is rough and muddy after rain. Crosses the dam of Stubbing Pond ('Great Pond of Stubbing'). Info board about the Chesterfield Round Walk near Haselhurst Farm. Extensive woodland.

Lunch: Ashover, roughly midway, is a picturesque village with shops and at least three pubs.

Warnings: Steep slopes, including one descent so steep walkers used the 'fifth point of contact' to avoid slipping; loose ground in old quarries. Awkward and overgrown pinch stiles. Tricky navigation in several spots where path lines are unclear - a 1:25000 map advised. Care on the short stretch of Holestone Gate Road. Muddy after rain.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A great view of the twisted spire of Chesterfield cathedral. An enjoyable, fairly direct route through country parks, farmland and woodland, with some hills and good viewpoints. Paths are generally good quality but the wooded section south of Barlow is rough underfoot with tree roots and steep parts that require care when wet. No stiles and but muddy after rain. Passes through Holmebrook Valley Park, Ashgate Park and Loundsley Green Park; Chesterfield has a traditional market square and town hall. Extensive woodland.

Lunch: There is also an inn at Cutthorpe just off route and a pub at Barlow.

Warnings: The wooded section south of Barlow has tree roots and steep, slippery parts that need care when wet. A footbridge crosses the busy A61. The route between Cutthorpe and Barlow may be hard for those with mobility difficulties, though a road alternative exists.

Walk details: Slow Ways.