For years, this part of the Chesterfield Canal has been missing from the waterway. Now, after a major restoration project at Staveley, water is finally being introduced into the newly rebuilt section — transforming what was a dry construction site into something that is beginning to function as a canal.
In this latest update, I return to see how the new section has changed since I walked through it before the water went in. We follow the first test filling, the work around the Keith Ayling Lock and Bellhouse, and the unexpected issues that had to be checked before the water could stay. And then, for the first time, a boat enters the new stretch of canal.
There is also a bigger story here. 30 September 2026 marked 50 years since the Chesterfield Canal Society was formed, beginning a campaign to restore a waterway that had lost much of its original route. The restoration at Staveley is another step towards reconnecting that historic canal, alongside the longer-term work at places such as the River Doe Lea and Norwood Tunnel.
This is a story about canal restoration, civil engineering and the changing transport landscape of Britain — but also about what happens when a piece of lost infrastructure is gradually brought back to life.
What do you think will be the most significant remaining challenge in reconnecting the Chesterfield Canal?
#ChesterfieldCanal #CanalRestoration #CanalRestoration #IndustrialHeritage #HiddenBritain
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21 Comments
Exciting stuff! So much progress in the last few months. Cracking update as usual. Nice volunteering to tidy up. Hopefully more locals will get involved as more comes back into water.
As usual, very informative, lots of facts, little opinion and some excellent background music. Stroll on, Paul.
Great update, quick question, any idea what the two rows of logs are for on each of the clay banks ? Were no concrete was used to form the banks.
Well executed by O'Brien Contractors, I hope they will get involved at the next section as well. And a big thanks to all volunteers for their job. Looking forward to se the progress at Renishaw. Keep the vids coming 🙏❤
Amazing difference to see that section in water, really beginning to look like a canal now rather than a building site! Will be fascinating to see the results of the Norwood Tunnel survey when that happens, hope there's some video of that. 👍🙂
Fantastic Report/Update, Thanks, so good to see it in water, just wondering where the water's coming from after a record Summer…
Thank's for a great update – and a vital reminder, that restoration has to be followed by TLC and maintenance forever….
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Wow looks amazing to see it like this
Never leave a windlass on the paddles they can fly
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Thanks there's water! It really looks like a canal now just fab Paul. ❤
Good progress 🤔🚂🚂🚂
Ho! I remember it 1st being started some years ago. Lovely im afraid my lack of mobility wont allow me to see in person, but im so happy for people to enjoy it.
So, which going to be open first; the Chesterfield or the Stroud water? The race continues with the winners being everyone!
Looking great, keep up the hard work, Stephen.
Brilliant to see , only ever done one cycle ride in that area from chesterfield to the new red girder bridge , made me very happy and sad at the same time , happy for the people who worked so hard to make this happen and for the people who will use and enjoy it but sad because we could have done this in Barnsley to the dearn and dove and Barnsley canal , what a fantastic achievement for all involved .
Loved visiting Hollingwood lock , great cafe and I made sure to buy loads of souvenirs from the gift shop
Thanks 😊
Well done Paul seeing Madeline making her first journey is establishing all the fantastic work having come to fruition. Noting that the crossing of the River Doe Lea won't be happening until 2030 onwards, are we still to expect a portion restored up to just shy of there before then … it is still over three years away yet obviously.
Your bonus section brings a full perspective on portion of the canal in general – love seeing this especially on the second anniversary of the video I made covering here. As I edit my next video I'm currently addressing a bywash myself lol. Didn't realise that BT had a volunteering scheme by the way. My mate Janet used to work for them, out of the stuff she told me she never mentioned that one.
Рыбка в Кафеле , Все По. Фен Шую !