Shireoaks RFM Blue Line Walking with my Grandkids

 Shireoaks 

RFM Blue Line 

Walking with my Grandkids

21/04/25

A long linear walk along the Chesterfield canal followed by a walk through the woods of Shireoaks promised to be about 8 miles long and a challenge to the kids particularly 10 year old Lola. The weather was dull and wet though the heavier rain was not forecast until later in the day.

We walked from where we had parked on Monks Way towards the Railway. The station still has the old signal box though it needs renovation. Lola was wearing boots for the first time on a long distance walk and her feet were hurting. Turned out the 2 pairs of socks were the problem so we removed one pair and she was happy.

The early stage of this walk was pretty urban though there was plenty of signs of land being improved for nature and the enjoyment of residents. Well done Shireoaks. We were going away from the canal at this point but on the map we were joining up with a previous blue line. A bit obsessive but I like to connect my walks together.

Crossing the railway bridge on Coach Road we could see there was a train in the station where we had just been.

We followed the lane all the way down to the Chesterfield canal.

Here they are the intrepid walkers, Lacey, Max and Lola. They have no idea where we are going so I love it that they trust me to decide the route for them. I do try to keep them updated on what they can expect but every walk is an adventure and you never know what you will find on the ground what you can't see on the map.

A little old lady was walking her 2 black labs. They were bellyflopping into the canal and running over the lock gate to get back to the start so they could have there ball and stick thrown back into the water to repeat. They were like excited kids it was a joy to watch. The lady talked to us for some time and we lingered partly because it was great watching the dogs and because its also great chatting.

Along the canal we passed a marina with several narrow boats anchored.

The overhanging fir trees created an atmosphere.

This canal is dominated by bridges and locks, it must take ages to travel through on a boat.

A beautiful spring sight of Mallard ducklings buzzing around close to mum was special. The kids loved it and so did I.

At the next bridge we spotted a swallow on a wire over the canal.

Beyond the bridge was a swan on eggs on its nest across the canal.

The male swan was a little agitated as he headed back towards the swan. I think a couple of rough looking anglers walking the canal bank were upsetting him.

Now and again bluebells punctuated the tow path edge.

A roofless abandoned house next to the canal needs a lot of renovation.

Such a peaceful scene. We followed the meandering canal for miles and were passed by walkers and cyclists on this bank holiday Monday, though I would not call it busy.

We came across across a couple with a Hungarian Vizsla dog called Axle. We chatted and the dog was happy to say hello to me until he spotted Lacey and then he quickly left me and latched himself onto Lacey. If you've read this blog before you will recognise this theme. 

We left the canal side near to Thorpe Salvin. The first stretch was uphill which was good after a long flat walk.

These woods were clean and fresh. The light drizzle was definitely helping.

A grand old tree got us talking about trees.

There were quite a few bluebells and much wild garlic as well as various mainly white flowers I couldn't name.

We dropped back down the hill and came to a bridge over the canal which we did not cross.

This woodland had wider paths that followed the route of the canal but was not close to it.

What a lot of bluebells.

What a lot of garlic.

Back to the canal but this time we crossed over and headed north.

Another magical spring wood.

We crossed the railway at an unmanned crossing.

The 2 older kids followed on and carefully crossed the rails.

Crossing an open seeded field the cherry blossom was a glorious sight.

We had done about 6 miles and I think the distance was beginning to tell.

We went under the railway bridge towards Lindrick passing 2 Belted Galloways and a Highland. I think they were bullocks.

This little stream had the curious name of Pudding Dyke.

We turned left at The Cottage up the lane towards the golf course.

There weren't many golfers on the course but it was raining now.

Lindrick Golf Club has a very nice looking clubhouse.

The final stretch back to our car at Shireoaks was a bit of a yomp over the fields. Lola and I starting recounting what birds we had seen adding up the total. We reached 25 the same as at Bempton. When we reached Worsborough in the car a heron flew over head giving us 26 and then just as we got back to Underwood Avenue Lola spotted s  Black-headed gull giving us a total of 27.

This was a long wet walk and the kids did great. We all enjoyed the adventure. The distance was 81/4 miles and had an ascent of 575 feet of gentle slopes. The step count was just over 20,000. We were wet but happy.