Grassmoor: Five Pits Trail and Country Park

Grassmoor Country Park and the Five Pits Trail are practical starting points if you choose Grassmoor for walking, cycling or local history. There is also a footpath around the park, wetland habitats, and historical and other leisure topics. For planning, the different routes and activities are especially useful: you can first decide whether exercise, history or landscape will be the focus of your stay.

Paths in Grassmoor Country Park

Grassmoor Country Park is at the northern end of the Five Pits Trail. The surfaced route is 5.5 miles long and runs away from road traffic, from the park to Tibshelf Ponds. It is suitable for walkers, people with pushchairs, cyclists and horse riders. This makes key planning details clear: the length, surface, route and intended user groups. If you are considering the trail for your stay, you can compare these details with the activity you have planned.

A completed 2.5-kilometre footpath runs around Grassmoor Country Park. The final section was completed in September 2024, and the path was officially opened. Compared with the Five Pits Trail, both the length and route differ: the footpath goes around the park, while the trail runs from the park to Tibshelf Ponds. The two route descriptions therefore refer to different options and can be compared based on the length and direction you want.

Industrial and local history

The Five Pits Trail mostly follows the route of the Great Central Railway. The former railway line is therefore one of the historical themes you can connect with your route planning. Another point of interest is the Church of St Paul, built in 1850 by T.C. Hine. Its date of construction and architect give this building a specific historical context.

Sluggard's Row consisted of five blocks, each with eight cottages. While the church is set in context by its date of construction and architect, Sluggard's Row is defined by the scale of its cottage blocks. Together, these topics show different aspects of local history.

Landscape and wetland habitats

Shallow basins, earth banks and ponds were created in Grassmoor Country Park as part of a natural flood management scheme. The earthworks were completed in November 2022. Some of the newly created areas provide more permanent wetland habitats. So, alongside the routes, the park also features designed landscape elements and wetland areas. If you are interested in nature-based design, you can consider this aspect when planning, along with your route choice.

Fishing and golf practice

Grassmoor fishing pond has 24 fishing pegs. As availability may change, check in advance whether a space is available if fishing is a key part of your plans. At South Chesterfield Golf Club, members and visitors may practise only at the driving range or on the practice putting green. If you want to practise there, those are the only two areas available. Information about practice facilities may change, so check the current club rules in advance.

Discover more destinations: Whaley Bridge, Hathersage, Long Eaton, South Wingfield, Ashover, Kirk Langley, Glossop, Willington.

For the regional travel overview: Derbyshire.