Chesterfield Canal: Worksop to Osberton Paddle Trail

1.5-3 hours

Duration

6 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Easy

Difficulty

S80 2EH

Start Postcode

S80 2EH

End Postcode

A. Cross Canal Road to put in near your car, just before the bridge. Turn right and paddle towards and under the bridge.

B. A just a few 100 yards you will come across your first portage at Worksop Bracebridge Lock (no 51), which is an
alternative start point, with a little parking area by the bridge. For this portage get out on your right, walk through the
staggered gates, over the bridge to a relatively straight forward put in after the bridge.

C. Paddle a little further and start to make your way out of the industrial area of Worksop. The canal narrows for a few
yards and on your right you will pass the Grade II listed Bracebridge Pumping Station. A little further on you come across
your second portage (Worksop Manton Lock no 52), with again, a straightforward put in on the other side of the lock.

D. From here the countryside begins to open up in front of you, with lovely views of the Nottinghamshire countryside.
Horses graze along the side of the canal and will often come and have a look at the interesting crafts passing them by.

E. Pass under numerous bridges built at different times in history and as you paddle along, you will see the beautiful
Osberton Hall ahead of you.

F. As you start to leave behind Osberton Hall, you arrive at Osberton Lock (no 53) with a lovely Lock Keepers Cottage on
the left hand side. This is your turning point.

G. Retrace your paddle back to Worksop, taking in the beautiful views of the Bassetlaw countryside as you go.

Discover More

Osberton Hall

Osberton can be traced to the medieval period and is specifically mentioned in the Domesday Book, at that time containing two manors and a church (White’s 1875 work contains a description of the different owners during the medieval period). Up to the 18th century, Osberton extended much further south than the present park (to the current A57) and east towards the A1.

More about Osberton Hall

Osberton is now well known for its International Horse Trials, held in September, which attracts top eventing riders from around the world.

Osberton International Horse Trials

Bracebridge Pumping Station

Built in 1881, Grade II listed Bracebridge Pumping Station was part of Worksop’s new sewage system. It used two steam-driven beam engines (together with a travelling crane) to pump the sewage to the effluent processing facility. The engine was coal-fired, with the coal being brought in from nearby Shireoaks Colliery by boat via the Chesterfield Canal. Like many Victorian pumping stations, it was built with no little style, designed in an Italian Romanesque style including ornate cast-iron columns and a spiral staircase. Apparently, these remain inside.

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Canal & River Trust, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.