Retford Canal and Town Centre RFM Blue Line

Retford Canal and Town Centre 
RFM Blue Line
11/03/25


The canal is actually the Chesterfield Canal. The first stage following the canal is also part of the Cuckoo Way. A cold walk but that was ok as I have been home from Fuerteventura for over a week and I have got used to the colder weather again.

 
The starting point in West Retford at the church on Babworth Road.

A short walk along the main road I cross the bridge over the canal and down the steps onto the tow path.




It was a very pleasant walk along the tow path. There were plenty of dog walkers, runners, walkers anglers and people just enjoying the area as well as a multitude of birds and birdsong. To a person everyone responded to my hellos and small chats. Just as friendly as Barnsley folk. I heard Yellowhammers but I did not see them.. 


Leaving the canal side the route changed into a hard surface walk into East Retford and through the modern housing plus council houses and flats towards the town centre where the church came into view.
Quite an impressive church at the top of the town centre.

This canon captured at Sevastapol graces the roundabout next to the church.
The town square is elegant and very pleasant. Walking through the town there seemed to be a lot of cafes and mobility scooters but it was a nice town with a lot of well known shops and outlets. I would definitely go back, worth a visit.



The route through the town passed a big Asda ended up at the river Idle which I followed north for a few hundred yards. 

Finally I left the Kings Park area and returned to the start position.
This was quite a short walk under 4 miles with no real hills but it did include a lot of tarmac walking which can be hard on the feet.
I was quite impressed with Retford, reminded me a bit of Otley, similar vibe.






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