Derbyshire’s canals were once the arteries of the Industrial Revolution, powering the county’s mills, mines and markets. Today, they’re quieter – meandering through countryside, towns and forgotten corners of our county – but they still hold untapped potential. Could we be doing more with them?
A Brief History of Derbyshire’s Canals
At the height of the canal era, Derbyshire was a major player. Key canals included:
• The Cromford Canal – Opened in 1794, running from Cromford to the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. It was a vital link for limestone, coal and textiles.
• The Erewash Canal – Dating to 1779, stretching from Langley Mill to the River Trent, connecting Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire industry.
• The Chesterfield Canal – Built in 1777, it ran 46 miles from Chesterfield to the River Trent. Parts are still in use today, with ongoing restoration.
• The Derby Canal – Now mostly lost or under redevelopment plans, this canal once linked Derby to the Trent and Mersey Canal.
In total, Derbyshire once had over 100 miles of navigable waterway, much of which still exists in some form – albeit some overgrown or in need of attention.
What Already Happens on Our Canals?
Today, our canals are enjoying a quiet revival:
• Boating holidays and narrowboat hire are popular with tourists.
• Walking and cycling routes along old towpaths offer peaceful recreation.
• Wildlife conservation efforts are strong in some areas – canals are crucial habitats for kingfishers, dragonflies, water voles and even otters.
• Heritage projects like those from the Cromford Canal Society and Chesterfield Canal Trust work tirelessly to preserve and restore these historic waterways.
Regeneration Ideas: What Could Be Next?
Could Derbyshire’s canals become more than just tranquil retreats? Here are some bold ideas to spark discussion:
• Youth canoe clubs and outdoor adventure hubs – offering regular, low-cost paddle sessions for teens in towns like Ilkeston, Langley Mill and Chesterfield.
• Floating markets and food barges – boosting local business with seasonal pop-up events.
• Outdoor classrooms and nature learning trails – using canal banks as spaces for schools and families to connect with nature.
• Canal cinema nights – moored barges doubling as screens for pop-up community film events.
• Canal clean-up days and community adoption schemes – where local groups “own” a stretch and care for it year-round.
• Cycle-canoe routes – where one way is paddling and the other pedalling, combining tourism with fitness.
Wildlife Haven or Active Waterway? Why Not Both?
Some will argue that canals are best left wild – peaceful corridors for biodiversity. Others want to see them used for sports, social projects and education. The truth is, we can do both, with good planning.
What Do You Think?
• Should we invest in youth canoeing across Derbyshire’s canals?
• Could old canal buildings be turned into cafés, workshops, or art spaces?
• Would floating food festivals work in our market towns?
• Is it time to reconnect Derby to its lost canal?
Leave your comments below – and share your ideas for how we can bring our canals back to life.
⸻
From forgotten towpaths to floating futures – Derbyshire’s canals are waiting. What will we do with them?
Leave a Reply