One such jewel is the Chesterfield Canal which is just a short walk from Chesterfield town centre.
There you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along a well-maintained towpath, look at ducks and swans gliding in the water, catch sight of an elusive kingfisher if you’re lucky or watch an angler or two in action.
Chesterfield Canal Trust’s walks officer David Blackburn has suggested this route:
1. Starting out
From Chesterfield town centre it's a short walk to the canal. Head towards the railway station, follow Brimington Road then go left on Holbeck Close. Join path beside the River Rother – the original canal warehouses stood here and this short section of river was used by boats. Photo: Google Streetview
2. Trip boats
Carry on past two more locks to Hollingwood Hub, with a popular cafe and information point. One of two trip boats operating on this section is moored here Photo: Picasa
3. Spot a swan
Leaving Hollingwood, keep walking along the towpath to Mill Green bridge at Staveley and keep watch for a graceful swan or two. Photo: Picasa
4. Last leg
This walk will take you to Staveley basin and ends at Hartington Harbour where you will have covered five miles since you set off from Chesterfield. Photo: Picasa