Walk Leader
John Rutherford
Capacity
10
We will start the day at Poolsbrook Country Park, near Staveley. This is Chesterfield's largest park with miles of trails, extensive woodland plantations, meadows, lakes and wildlife habitats. It opened in the 1990s having been reclaimed from spoil heaps following the closure of the Ireland Colliery. It is now well established, offering plenty of opportunities to photograph water in the landscape, and a wide range of colourful plants and trees around the lakes. There is also a wide range of waterfowl on the lakes.
After lunch, we will move a short distance to Hollingwood, on the nearby Chesterfield Canal. The towpath walks offer good opportunities for photographing landscape, trees, plants and wildlife. In addition there is more evidence of the transition from the industrial past of the canal to a more recreation-focused future.
In both venues there are well made paths and, while you will be free to wander, there is no requirement to walk long distances to get your photographs. There are good opportunities for creative photography, for example intentional camera movement and long exposure. I usually put a macro lens in my bag as well and often find a good use for it.
Walk Location
53.256657921682, -1.35184385
Walk Directions
We meet at the Coffee Stop Cafe in Poolsbrook Country Park at 10.00am. The cafe is a very short walk from the free car park. The main entrance to the car park is off Erin Road. The postcode is S43 3WL. What 3 Words is joined.risen.noble. There are public toilets at the cafe and you will never be too far away from them. We will have lunch here. The cafe serves a good range of hot and cold sandwiches and soup, and there is no restriction on bringing your own packed lunch to eat in the park.
After lunch we move to the Hollingwood Hub. We will travel in convoy but, just in case we get separated, the address is 22 Works Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield, S43 2PF. The Hub is a small Canal Information Centre, part of which is Katey's Cafe. Toilets and refreshments will be available here. Car parking is free. The car park is on the opposite side of the canal to the Hub, on Station Lane. What3Words for the car park entrance is forgot.thin.shiny.
Accessibility
Walking is on well-made paths and towpaths. On towpaths, please take care when setting up your photograph that you don't stop concentrating on where your feet are and fall in. Please also be aware of other towpath users, both pedestrians and cyclists. Most cyclists give warning with their bells, but do keep an eye out for them as well.
Walking distances are short and at your own pace.
Toilets are readily available in both venues.
Feedback Meeting Type
Zoom
Feedback Talk Date and Time