Chesterfield Canal: Drakeholes, Gringley on the Hill and Clayworth
Nottinghamshire
The eastern reaches of the Chesterfield Canal wind through some of the quietest farmland in north Nottinghamshire on their way to the Trent, with towpaths open enough for a dog to trot ahead off the lead. This 14km circuit starts at Drakeholes, where the canal disappears into a short tunnel beneath the old Gainsborough road, and follows the towpath east for about 3km to Gringley Top Lock. It then leaves the water on a lane and signed field paths up to the hilltop village of Gringley on the Hill, with its market cross and church, before crossing the A631 and heading south west over more fields to Clayworth, where boats line the canal. The last leg is a long, level towpath stretch back past Wiseton. There are only gentle slopes, but the clay field paths get sticky in wet weather and can be hard to follow after ploughing.
This is a dog friendly walk for dogs with stamina, and the towpath sections give a dog plenty of scope to trot ahead where there are no boats or cyclists about. The field paths are a different matter: they cross working farmland where livestock and crops are likely, so keep your dog on a lead there, and take care crossing the busy A631. The canal gives water all along the towpath. Parking is on the verge by the canal depot at Drakeholes. There is a pub at the start, The Duck, and the Brewers Arms at Clayworth halfway round, but check their dog policies before you go.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.0 km (8.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Canal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- The Duck pub at Drakeholes and the Brewers Arms at Clayworth (dog policies not confirmed); no toilets on route.
- Parking
- Free informal verge parking by the canal depot at Drakeholes, off the A631 between Bawtry and Gainsborough.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Chesterfield Canal: Drakeholes, Gringley on the Hill and Clayworth, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in NottinghamshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield Canal: Drakeholes, Gringley on the Hill and Clayworth dog friendly?
This is a solid choice for dogs with a good level of fitness, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The 14km circuit combines long, open towpath sections along the Chesterfield Canal with field paths through working farmland, so it suits confident, well-trained dogs rather than easily distracted or reactive ones. There are two pubs along the route — The Duck at Drakeholes and the Brewers Arms at Clayworth — though you'll want to check their individual dog policies before you go.
Can dogs be off lead at Chesterfield Canal: Drakeholes, Gringley on the Hill and Clayworth?
The towpath sections give dogs plenty of room to trot ahead off the lead when there are no boats or cyclists around, which is a real highlight of this walk. However, the field paths cross working farmland where livestock and crops are present, so dogs must be kept on the lead there. You'll also need to keep dogs under close control when crossing the busy A631.
What should I know before visiting Chesterfield Canal: Drakeholes, Gringley on the Hill and Clayworth with my dog?
At 14km, this is a long walk best suited to dogs with real stamina — it's probably not the one for puppies or older dogs who tire easily. The clay field paths can get very sticky and slippery in wet weather, so boots and a towel for muddy paws are worth packing. The canal provides a natural water source for thirsty dogs along the towpath, and parking is free on the verge by the canal depot at Drakeholes.
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Verge parking by the canal depot, Old Gainsborough Road, Drakeholes, Wiseton, Doncaster DN10 5DF
53.4066, -0.9390
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